Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Romeo Lumagui, Jr. announced on Friday they have formally opened an investigation into possible tax evasion charges against Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her companies.
In a press statement, Lumagui said he has ordered BIR personnel to look into the names and entities mentioned during the series of public hearings conducted by the Senate concerning the business ties, among other tax-related issues, of the embattled mayor.
“I have commanded the whole BIR to cooperate with the Senate and look into the mentioned names of individuals and entities as well as their accumulated wealth. The BIR will fully cooperate with the senate investigation on Mayor Guo,” Lumagui said.
“The BIR will also conduct its own investigation against the said individuals and entities. Due process will be followed. If the income declared with the BIR does not match the value of the properties amassed during the same taxable years, criminal cases for tax evasion will be filed,” he added.
The BIR has been monitoring the ongoing probe launched by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Mayor Guo. Recently, the panel led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros held an executive session to dig deeper into the wealth of the Bamban politician.
The cash, properties, and other sources of wealth shown during the senate hearings should be substantiated with proper payment of taxes, according to the BIR.
Lumagui said they welcome all informants, whether from the private sector or government agencies, that could provide the necessary documents and pieces of evidence in auditing Guo and the companies she was involved in.
The controversial mayor has reportedly declared a net worth of P177.5 million with assets totaling P367 million and liabilities of P189 million, based on her sworn statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) as of December 2023.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “BIR to investigate Alice Guo, companies on possible tax evasion”
