Former presidential spokesman Atty. Harry Roque has described the tax evasion case filed against him and his co-respondents as a "continuing pattern" aimed at harassing supporters of the Duterte administration. Roque made the statement after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a tax evasion complaint before the Department of Justice against him, his wife Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega for tax violations related to Bianchan Holdings and Trading Inc., a company formerly owned by Roque and his associates.
Roque: Case Politically Motivated
In a statement, Roque said they believe the case is politically motivated and intended to harass and pressure individuals perceived to be supportive of the previous administration. "These filings form part of a continuing pattern of actions which we believe are politically motivated and intended to harass and pressure individuals associated with, or perceived to be supportive of, the Duterte administration. We view these developments with serious concern as they raise fundamental issues regarding fairness, equal protection, and the impartial administration of justice," Roque said.
BIR Allegations
In a separate statement, the BIR said its investigation showed that the Roque couple and Ortega failed to file required tax returns and pay the corresponding tax due on the transfer of shares of stock and the increase in authorized capital stock. However, Roque maintained that no shares were issued in accordance with any alleged increase in authorized capital stock. Because there was no actual issuance or subscription of shares, he argued that no taxable event occurred that would create liability under Philippine tax law.
Roque Vows to Fight Allegations
The lawyer added that any suggestion of tax liability at this stage is baseless and premature. "We will address these allegations vigorously through all appropriate legal remedies and will fully engage in the proper judicial and administrative processes. We remain confident that a fair and impartial review of the facts will confirm the correctness of our position," Roque said.
