Caloocan dental clinic operator escapes imprisonment over tax amnesty
By Jun Ramirez
A dental clinic operator has escaped imprisonment for tax evasion after showing to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) documents that he availed of the government's tax amnesty program.
In February last year, the court's Second Division earlier sentenced Alexander R. Garcia, owner of Sacred Heart Dental Center in Caloocan City, up to two years in jail for evading payment of income taxes in 2011, 2012 and 2013 totalling to more than P29 million.
But before the judgement became final and executory, Garcia submitted to the court tax amnesty return filed with the Caloocan revenue district office with total payment of P10.6 million in deficiency income taxes.
The court said the documents showed that the accused had complied with the tax amnesty requirements and it's implementing regulations.
The court stated that those who availed of the amnesty shall be immune from all suits pending before the Department of Justice and the courts.
Thus, it said the earlier promulgations "are hereby terminated and deemed closed."
The 12-page resolution was pinned by Associate Justice Juanito C. Castaneda, Jr. and concurred by Associate Justices Jean Marie A. Bacorro-Villena and Lanee S. Cui-David.