Tax authorities filed a criminal complaint against former presidential spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., his wife, and a business associate for alleged tax evasion involving their holding company.

In a statement, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said the agency submitted the complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, April 27, 2026, naming Roque, Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega as respondents.

The case centers on alleged violations of the National Internal Revenue Code related to Biancham Holdings and Trading Inc.

According to the BIR, investigators discovered that the group failed to file mandatory tax returns and neglected to pay taxes stemming from a transfer of shares and an increase in the company’s authorized capital stock.

The bureau estimated the total tax deficiency at more than ₱3.35 million, a figure that includes accumulated surcharges and interest.

The BIR said it found probable cause to charge the trio with a willful attempt to evade or defeat tax under Section 254 of the tax code, as well as failure to file returns under Section 255.

The move against the Roques was part of a broader enforcement sweep by the tax agency. The bureau also filed two separate complaints against Terjonan Transport Co. Inc. and its officers.

That case involves a willful failure to pay value-added tax for the 2017 taxable year, with the government seeking ₱9.178 million.

The government has recently intensified its crackdown on high-profile tax cases to bolster state revenue. Under Section 254 of the Tax Code, individuals found guilty of tax evasion face fines ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱10 million and prison terms of between six and 10 years.

Penalties for failing to file returns under Section 255 can include additional fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Roque, who served as the spokesperson for former President Rodrigo Duterte, has faced a series of legal and legislative inquiries over the past year.