BIR urged, use Mikey as example, set ultimatum against big-time tax evaders

On the last day of the filing of income tax return

Coinciding with the deadline in the filing of Income Tax Return (ITR), members of Akbayan Party today staged a creative action in front of the office of the Bureau on Internal Revenues (BIR) to underscore the alleged failure of Ang Galing Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo to pay his correct taxes. The group also asked BIR to issue a “deadline” against big-time tax evaders.

In a statement, former Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros said an “ultimatum” against big-time tax cheats must be issued to show the seriousness of the government in fighting corruption and large-scale tax evasion.

“We commend BIR commissioner Kim Henares for standing up against big-time tax cheats. We hope the bureau will issue an ultimatum against these high-profile swindlers. Kailangan maintindihan ng mga ito na kapag pinagpatuloy nila ang kanilang mga maling gawain, ang sinapit ni Mikey ay maaari din mangyari sa kanila,” Hontiveros said.

The former partylist lawmaker also assailed the young Arroyo’s failure to pay the correct taxes. She said it is an insult to ordinary citizens who dutifully pay their taxes.

“He claimed to represent the marginalized but willfully cheat the government and poor people by defaulting from paying his correct taxes. While ordinary people are burdened with numerous tax deductions and the poor are trying to making ends meet, Mikey is enjoying a long tax holiday,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros chided Arroyo’s assertion that he was a victim of “political harassment.”

“Arroyo’s assertion of harassment is whimsical. How could Mikey cry harassment about something that he is entirely to be blamed for? It’s like complaining to one’s self. It is absurd,” Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros said she hoped Mikey would just face the issue squarely. “We hope Arroyo will just face the issue and stop dodging the accusation. The issue here is whether he paid the correct taxes or not. Plain and simple.”

Akbayan mounted a freedom wall in front of the BIR office asking the public’s opinion whether Arroyo correctly paid his taxes or not. The group also used the phrase “God knows Judas not pay”, a typical Filipino joke popular among jeepney drivers and commuters. In anticipation of the holy week vacation, the group said it is only apt to describe big-time tax evaders as “Hudas.”

Source of Image: mukamo