The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion complaints against three companies that are allegedly using fake receipts to evade payment of taxes.

The BIR, through its Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, filed the complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila.

In an interview with the reporters, Lumagui said they are charging Filipino sports footwear and apparel brand World Balance, CHC Steel, and Gammon Resources Inc.

"Itong tatlong kumpanya na ito ay napatunayan natin na bumibili ng ghost receipts o pekeng resibo," he said

According to Lumagui, their investigation showed that the three companies have been using fake receipts since 2018.

"Itong mga bumibili ng pekeng resibo na ito ay lehitimong negosyante na ang layunin ay mapababa ang kanilang babayarang buwis —income tax at saka value added tax na kanilang dapat babayaran. Ang resibo na ito ay ginagamit nila as supporting expenses na ibabangga nila sa revenue at saka sa input tax na gagamitin buka. Ultimately, ang gusto nila ay umiwas sa income tax at saka value added tax," he said.

Lumagui gave a stern warning against companies that buy and uses ghost receipts.

"Ang panawagan natin ay sana ay tigil-tigilan niyo na 'yan. Kung sa tingin ninyo nakakatakas kayo.... Nagawa niyo 'yan noon, pero iba ngayon. Mahuhuli natin iyan, sisiguraduhin natin na hindi na kayo makapagbenta sa buyers. Malinaw na tax evasion ang ginagawa ninyo, malinaw na illegal iyan," he said.

The BIR Commissioner also called on company lawyers and accountants to not tolerate such fraudulent actions.

Last March, the BIR filed tax raps against four "ghost" corporations that are selling fake receipts.