BIR RATE files 4.65 Billion Tax Evasion cases against 4 Gold Traders

Remember the Golden Rule: He who sells gold should obey the tax rule

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a combined 4.65B tax evasion cases with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against four Gold Traders.  Two Gold Traders in Bulacan, One in Baclaran and one in Caloocan City. The Gold Traders failed to file their Annual Income tax returns , in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the Tax Code.

The BIR filed charges against FELONILA Z. CALUAG (Caluag) for five (5) counts of attempt to evade or defeat tax, fifteen (15) counts of failure to file Quarterly Income Tax Returns, and five (5) counts of failure to file Annual Income Tax Returns.  Caluag, a registered taxpayer of Revenue District No. 25B, Marilao, Bulacan and a resident of 320 Violeta St., Brgy. Saluysoy, Meycauayan City, Bulacan.

  

DIOMEDITA PLATINO CANONIGO (Canonigo) for five (5) counts of attempt to evade or defeat tax, fifteen (15) counts of failure to file Quarterly Income Tax Returns, and five (5) counts of failure to file Annual Income Tax Returns.  Canonigo, a registered one-time transaction taxpayer (ONETT) of Revenue District No. 83, Talisay City, Cebu and a resident of No. 2983 Aguarra St., Baclaran, Parañaque City.

SYLVIA CHUA CANTORIA (Cantoria) for three (3) counts of attempt to evade or defeat tax, nine (9) counts of failure to file Quarterly Income Tax Returns, and three (3) counts of failure to file Annual Income Tax Returns.  Cantoria, a registered one-time taxpayer (ONETT) of Revenue District No. 54A, Trece Martires City, South Cavite and a resident of No. 20 Batu-Bato St., Amparo NovaVille De Paro II, Caloocan City.

RONALD G. CASTRO (Castro) for five (5) counts of attempt to evade or defeat tax, fifteen (15) counts of failure to file Quarterly Income Tax Returns, and five (5) counts of failure to file Annual Income Tax Returns. Castro, a registered taxpayer of Revenue District No. 25B, Marilao, Bulacan and a resident of 164 Abacan, Calvario, Meycauayan, Bulacan.

The BIR found evidence from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Caluag sold (refined) gold to the BSP in the years 2005 to 2009 amounting to P1.27 billion; Canonigo sold (refined) gold to the BSP in the years 2005 to 2009 amounting to P2.55 billion; Cantoria sold (refined) gold to the BSP in the years 2006 to 2008 amounting to P1.04 billion;  and Castro sold (refined) gold to the BSP in the years 2005 to 2009 amounting to P2.35 billion.  A certification of the total sales and net payments received by these Gold Traders and copies of the Letters of Delivery and Sale detailing the number of pieces  and the weight of the gold sold signed by these traders were obtained by the BIR from BSP.

Caluag was assessed deficiency income taxes for five (5) taxable years in the aggregate amount of P865.15 million; Canonigo was assessed deficiency income taxes for five (5) taxable years in the aggregate amount of P1.65 billion;  Cantoria was assessed deficiency income taxes for three (3) taxable years in the aggregate amount of P683.41 million; and Castro was assessed deficiency income taxes for five (5) taxable years in the aggregate amount of P1.56 billion. All assessed deficiency amounts are inclusive of surcharges and interests.

The message of the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares is clear. Pay the correct taxes on time.  Tax evasion is not an option.