Photo credit: Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue, led by Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., has taken decisive action against tax evaders by filing 127 criminal cases targeting 214 corporate officers. The cases were presented to the Department of Justice on August 3, 2023, in the latest effort to ensure businesses and corporations comply with tax regulations.

Under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program, this marks the second nationwide filing by the BIR. In February 2023, Commissioner Lumagui spearheaded the first filing with 74 criminal cases totaling 3.58 billion pesos. This time, the number of cases has increased to 127, with a total amount of 6.1 billion pesos.

Commissioner Lumagui issued a stern warning to corporations and their officers, emphasizing that ignoring the BIR's regulations will result in facing criminal charges. He reminded taxpayers that responding to notices from the BIR presents an opportunity to present their side and avail themselves of due process. If deficiency taxes are found, taxpayers are advised to pay or contest the assessment within the allowable period.

In a Facebook update, Romeo "Jun" Lumagui Jr. shared details of the recent cases filed against unresponsive taxpayers and stressed the importance of not disregarding BIR notices. He reaffirmed the BIR's Fearless and Aggressive Enforcement Activities program, aimed at holding tax law violators accountable.