The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday announced that it will look into the tax compliance of contractors involved in government flood control projects amid allegations of “ghost projects.”
In a press briefing with justice reporters, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. noted that the agency will conduct its own investigation to ensure proper compliance of contractors in the controversial projects.
“We will look at the tax compliance of the contractors in connection with the projects as well as their overall tax compliance… We are monitoring the ongoing investigation, and we will ask for documents regarding the said projects so we can check their tax compliance,” he said.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, under the leadership of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, is currently conducting its public hearing titled ‘The Philippines Under Water’.
Lumagui added that the BIR will also look into tax payments in alleged ghost projects where nothing was built but was paid for by the government.
He underscored that their goal is to protect public funds and ensure that such funds are used properly for projects that benefit Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the Bureau will also be coordinating with other government agencies, specifically the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and will be requesting relevant documents in the ongoing investigation in the Senate.
