The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed tax evasion charges against four "ghost" corporations that are selling fake receipts.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led the filing of charges before the Department of Justice.
In an interview with the media, Lumagui said the government lost an estimated Php 25.5 billion in taxes due to the fraudulent activities of the corporations.
"Ito na finile natin na kaso, this was the result of the raid that we conducted last year. If we could recall, meron tayong nahuli na kumpanya na nagbebenta or selling fake receipt," he said.
Lumagui said these "ghost" corporations do not have legitimate business activities, and they were established for the sole purpose of selling fictitious receipts.
"Ang mga bumibili [ng fake receipts] dito ay ang mga negosyante na ginagamit itong resibo na ito as corresponding deductions sa kanilang expenses at saka sa VAT [value added tax]," he added.
The four corporations are facing charges for violation of Sections 254, 255, and 267 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
Lumagui said they are also preparing cases against the buyer of the fake receipts.
The BIR Commissioner said the agency would go after more fraudulent sellers.
