Ligots face DOJ probe on P428-M tax evasion raps

Former military comptroller Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda, attended a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel's preliminary investigation on the P428-million tax evasion charges filed against them. The Ligots were accompanied by their lawyer, Rafael Zialcita. Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Mariano is spearheading the DOJ preliminary inquiry into the tax evasion suit filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against the Ligots on March 10 this year. A preliminary investigation seeks to determine whether there is probable cause to indict a respondent for the offense allegedly committed. Once probable cause is established, the DOJ will then file the appropriate charges before the proper court. In its complaint, the BIR accused the Ligots of evading their duties to pay taxes from 2001 to 2004. The bureau is requiring them to pay P428 million in aggregate tax liabilities. Specifically, the BIR said the Ligots are facing "eight counts of willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and five counts for willful failure to file their income tax returns covering the taxable years 2001 to 2004." The bureau noted Jacinto Ligot's millions-worth of bank deposits and his purchase of properties in Rizal province, a condominium unit in Makati City, and a sports utility vehicle. While her husband was military comptroller, Erlinda allegedly made "several bank deposits," including a $200,000 bank transaction. "She also purchased serveral proprties that included a Paseo Parkview Tower II condominium unit at Salcedo Village in Makati City, a $322,181 real property at No. 1240 Cabernet Circle, Anaheim, California, USA, and a $599,500 house and lot at 7102 Stanton Avenue, Buenas Park, California," said the BIR. In various hearings conducted by the Senate blue ribbon committee, Ligot claimed having no knowledge of his wife's travels and acquisition of properties abroad. Erlinda, on the other hand, had repeatedly invoked her right against self-incrimination when asked about their alleged ill-gotten wealth. The Ligot couple is already facing a forfeiture case before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for their alleged amassing of P135 million in unexplained wealth. The case was filed in 2005. Ligot is the predecessor of retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia, who is facing a P303-million plunder case at the Sandiganbayan. Garcia is out on bail after he pleaded guilty to two lesser offenses. The plea bargain deal was forged between Garcia and the Ombudsman even if it is yet to be approved by the court. Garcia and his wife, Clarita, are also facing a string of tax evasion charges at he DOJ. – VVP, GMA News