The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed Wednesday criminal complaints against contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya for allegedly owing a total of P7.1 billion in taxes.
The BIR filed complaints with the Department of Justice against the Discaya couple, as well as Steve Balano, a corporate officer of their construction company, St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation.
According to BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., the main complaint filed against the Discaya spouses and Steve Balano stemmed from their individual liabilities for failing to file billions in income taxes from 2018 to 2021.
Another case involves their failure to file documentary stamp tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes following their supposed divestment from four of their construction companies.
Lumagui pointed out that failure to pay these taxes indicates that the divestment was not properly carried out, as such filings are essential to legally effect the transfer of shares.
‘They never divested because they never paid the corresponding taxes necessary for such divestment,’ Lumagui said.
A separate complaint concerns the Discayas’ failure to pay excise taxes on nine luxury vehicles registered under their names.
In total, Lumagui said the Discayas’ tax liabilities amount to P7,182,172,532.25.
More cases expected vs. Discayas, other contractors
Lumagui said the Discayas’ other corporations are still under audit, which means additional complaints could be filed.
‘We’re just getting started. The audits of the other construction companies owned by the Discaya spouses are still ongoing,’ Lumagui said in Filipino.
‘So far, we’ve only filed cases based on their individual liabilities and those related to St. Gerard. The audits of the other corporations involved in the flood control projects are still ongoing,’ he added.
When asked if other contractors are being audited apart from the Discayas, Lumagui responded in the affirmative, noting that other individuals are also under investigation.
‘We are continuously conducting audits and investigations on all contractors-not just the contractors. In fact, we are also carrying out lifestyle checks on various individuals involved,’ Lumagui said.
These individuals, he added, include politicians.