The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has launched a massive tax evasion complaint against dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials from Quezon City, alleging a staggering P16 billion in undeclared contracts.
Former District Engineer Rosalie D. Tolentino and seven other ex-officials now face the full force of tax law for reportedly failing to declare billions in government contracts between 2020 and 2022. The BIR investigation reveals what appears to be a systematic attempt to evade tax obligations.
The Heart of the Allegations
According to BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the officials engaged in "willful and deliberate" tax evasion by not declaring the massive contracts. The case specifically involves Tolentino's tenure as Quezon City Second District Engineer.
The tax agency has filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice, marking one of the most significant tax evasion cases against government officials in recent memory.
Massive Financial Scale
The numbers behind the case are staggering:
- P16 billion in undeclared government contracts
- Contracts spanning 2020 to 2022 period
- Multiple officials implicated in the scheme
- Potential criminal penalties for tax code violation
This case represents a major enforcement action by the BIR under Commissioner Lumagui's leadership, signaling a tougher stance against tax evasion within government ranks.
Legal Consequences Loom
The accused officials now face serious legal repercussions under the National Internal Revenue Code. The complaint alleges they knowingly failed to file accurate tax returns and deliberately omitted declaring their true income from government projects.
This development comes amid ongoing government efforts to combat corruption and ensure tax compliance among public officials, particularly those handling large infrastructure budgets.
