BIR to file charges vs another tax evader next week

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to file charges against another suspected major tax evader Thursday next week. BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said this in an ambush interview in Malacañang, although she refused to give additional details. "We cannot tell you who is under the radar, it would be unfair to the people involved. You would just know when we file the case," she said. Last week, the BIR filed a tax evasion case against pawnshop owner William Villarica, who is accused of failing to file income tax returns from 2002 to 2009. Jacinto-Henares said the continuous filing of charges against suspected tax evaders should send a message to everyone to pay their taxes correctly. "Don't wait for us to file a case against you. Please pay already your right taxes because once we file a case wala na hong (there will be no) compromise," she said. The BIR chief said that aside from sending a strong message to tax evaders, the consistent filing of charges is expected to result in more revenues from the government as those convicted will be required to pay the taxes they owe the government. Jacinto-Henares said they hope to achieve the government target of P860 billion in tax revenues for 2010. - Jam L. Sisante/KBK, GMANews.TV