BIR in North Cotabato files raps vs 12 alleged tax evaders

The Bureau of Internal Revenue regional office in North Cotabato has sued 12 individuals for failing to submit their books of accounts for audit and investigation. Revenue Region 18 director Marcelinda Omila-Yap refused to disclose the identities of the defendants. She pointed out that filing of charges against reluctant tax payers has contributed largely to the achievement of the region's revenue goal for the first quarter of 2011. The bureau's regional office collected P898.1 million during the first quarter of 2011, higher than its collection goal of P836.7 million. Moreover, Yap said she is confident that the revenue region will attain its P5-billion goal for 2011. Last year, the revenue region earned more than P3.7 billion. She said the improving tax collection rate can be attributed to the information campaign on tax laws and regulations. The region has five district offices in Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, General Santos City, and Koronadal City. — Willamor Magbanua/BC/JE/VS, GMA News