The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced that it has authorized a tax audit on nine businesses linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Atty. Manases Carpio. According to the BIR, it issued Letters of Authority (LOA) after finding sufficient grounds to conduct a formal investigation, including an examination of the book of accounts and other financial records of the companies involved.
Businesses Subject to Audit
The businesses subject to the tax audit are: Carpio Lawyers (formerly Carpio & Duterte Lawyers), Zelta Matiem Salon, City Hall King Chow Foods Corporation, Davao Bounty Times Foods Corporation, Madayaw Fisheries Inc., Davao Emerging Taipans Corporation, Amianan Shores, Inc., Cale88 Foods Corporation, and Geometry Security and Investigation Agency, Inc.
BIR Commissioner's Statement
BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza explained that the issuance of LOAs does not immediately imply liability for those involved, but rather is a legal step to determine the correct taxes due. He added that the agency is obligated to conduct an investigation if there is a basis, and if violations are proven, it could lead to corresponding civil, administrative, or criminal cases.
The BIR also stated that the move is based on third-party information, including data from public records, reports from the Office of the Ombudsman, and information from the Anti-Money Laundering Council that emerged during impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives. The agency emphasized that the audit aims to ensure proper tax collection, while complying with existing laws and respecting the rights of those under investigation.
