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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BIR files P1.6-B tax evasion complaint vs 3 ex-DPWH engineers in Bulacan

BIR files P1.6-B tax evasion complaint vs 3 ex-DPWH engineers in Bulacan

Published Nov 6, 2025 01:15 pm
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed on Thursday, Nov. 6, a P1.6 billion tax evasion complaint for alleged income tax deficiencies from 2020 to 2024 against three former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its Bulacan First Engineering District.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. led the filing of cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and former Bulacan assistant district engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.
In its complaint, the BIR accused the three respondents of tax evasion and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in their income tax returns in violation of Sections 254 and 255, in relation to Sections 24(A)(1)(a), 51(A)(1)(a) and 74(A) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
“Ang total tax liabilities na nakita natin sa tatlong ito ay umaabot na mahigit P1.6 billion (We found tax liabilities amounting to over P1.6 billion),” said Lumagui after the filing of complaint.
He said the cases were filed after the BIR conducted lifestyle checks against the three former DPWH officials, including the investigation of their financial transactions, properties, business interests, and tax returns.
He also said that its investigation was also based on information gathered from the congressional hearings; Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of the three acquired from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and pieces of evidence gathered with the help of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), Anti–Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and licensed casinos.
He also said the BIR found that “‘yung kanilang mga ari-arian nakita natin na hindi tugma ito sa kanilang kinikita o ‘yung mga reported revenues nila at mga binayarang buwis (the properties they own do not match with what they earn and their payment for taxes).”
During investigation, Lumagui said that the BIR confirmed from the PAGCOR and casinos that the three exchanged cash for casino chips which were grossly disproportionate to their declared sources of income.
He said LRA and LTO records revealed that the three former DPWH officials acquired luxury vehicles, high-value properties, and other personal assets also grossly disproportionate to their declared sources of income.
"The SALNs and tax returns of Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza cannot justify their lavish lifestyle,” he also said.
At the same time, Lumagui said “their casino records, properties, financial transactions, and business interests are grossly disproportionate to their declared sources of income.”
He said the complaint filed on Nov. 6 was the second batch of complaints against persons linked to anomalous government flood control projects.
Last Oct. 8, the BIR filed criminal cases before the DOJ against contractor spouses Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya over tax liabilities amounting to more than P7.1 billion for the years 2018 to 2021.
“Expect more tax cases to be filed,” assured Lumagui.
At the moment, he disclosed that the BIR is currently looking into the other companies of the Discayas involved in the anomalies.
Also, the BIR is investigating other DPWH officials who could be involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
He pointed out: “Kailangan din natin ang tulong ng DPWH kasi sila din ang magsasabi na anomalous projects ito (we need the help of the DPWH to identify these anomalous projects).
“Lahat po ng mga personalities walang makakalusot d’yan. Tinitingnan po natin ang lahat (All personalities involved will be investigated. No one will escape. We will look at everyone),” he assured.
Also, Lumagui said the BIR has started investigating elected officials, including senators.
He said the BIR has asked from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) copies of the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of candidates.
“Ang lahat ng kandidato ‘pag kumandidato kinakailangan nilang ireport ‘yan sa BIR kung anu-ano ang mga tinanggap nila at kung magkano ang ginastos nila. Kung may natira ‘yan ay kinakailangan din nila ng buwis dun din sa natirang natanggap nila na hindi ginastos at kinakailangan din nilang magbayad ng taxes d’yan (All candidates have to report to the BIR how much they received and how much they spent. If there is anything left from the contributions, they have to pay the taxes),” he explained.
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