BIR sues Harry Roque, wife, associate for tax evasion
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday filed a tax evasion complaint against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, his wife and an associate for tax deficiencies totaling P3.35 million.
Members of the BIR went to the Department of Justice to file the complaint against Roque, his wife Mylah Reyes Roque and Percival Sazon Ortega regarding tax violations involving Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc., a company previously owned by the Roques and their associates.
In a statement issued later in the day, the BIR said its investigation showed that Roque, his wife and Ortega “failed to file the required tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes due on the transfer of shares of stock and on the increase in authorized capital stock.”
“The total estimated tax deficiency amounts to more than P3.35 million, inclusive of surcharges and interest,” it added.
“The Bureau found probable cause to charge the Roques and Ortega with willful attempt to evade taxes under Section 254, and failure to file tax returns under Section 255, of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended,” the BIR said.
In a statement on Monday evening, Roque tagged the criminal complaint as “legally and factually baseless” and “politically motivated.”
He argued that no issuance of shares had been made pursuant to any alleged increase in authorized capital stock.
“We also categorically state that all required tax returns have been properly and diligently filed in accordance with law. Any assertion of failure to comply with filing obligations is incorrect,” he added.
During a House quad committee hearing in September 2024, then Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, one of the committee chairs, directly linked Biancham to Lucky South 99, the Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was raided over allegations of human trafficking. During the police operation, documents bearing Roque’s signature were found inside the Pogo hub.
Roque, who left the country that same month, has since been declared a fugitive after the Angeles City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 118 ordered his arrest in May last year on human trafficking charges in connection with his alleged involvement with Lucky South 99.
He applied for asylum in the Netherlands, although it was reportedly denied by Dutch authorities.
