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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Discayas refute P7.1-B tax evasion charges

Discayas refute P7.1-B tax evasion charges

Published Nov 21, 2025 03:13 pm
Contractor spouses Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya on Friday, Nov. 21, refuted the P7.1 billion tax evasion charges for the years 2018 to 2021 filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A copy of their counter-affidavit was not released by the DOJ.
DOJ Spokesperson and Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said the counter-affidavit was personally submitted by the Discaya couple to the panel of prosecutors conducting the preliminary investigation of the complaints.
“Spouses Discayas submitted their counter affidavits in relation to the cases filed by BIR for violation of Sections 263, 254 and 255 of the NIRC (National Internal Revenue Code) of 1997, as amended,” said Martinez.
He said the panel has scheduled more hearings for the preliminary investigation of the cases.
“Submission of reply affidavit will be on Dec 5, 2025 while the submission of the rejoinder affidavit will be on Dec 19, 2025,” he also said. “After which, the case will be submitted for resolution,” he added.
The BIR filed the tax complaints before the DOJ concerning the couple’s tax liability of P7,182,172,532.25.
The first set of cases involved the Discayas’ alleged individual failure to pay income taxes for taxable years 2018 to 2021.
The second set involved the spouses’ decision to divest from some of their corporations -- St. Gerrard, St. Timothy, St. Matthew, and Alpha and Omega.
The third set involved the alleged failure of the couple and St. Gerard to file excise tax returns and pay the excise taxes for nine luxury vehicles under their names.
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