Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla led the filing of 18 criminal charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) on 10 April, against a construction firm and a major trading corporation for willfully evading tax obligations.

Reports had it that E.D. Buenviaje Builders, Inc. (E.D.Buenviaje) and Synergy Sales International Corporation (SSIC) transacted with ghost companies Buildforce Trading, Inc. and Decarich Supertrade, Inc., which had no legitimate business activities, merely created to issue fraudulent official receipts.

These receipts were used to support fraudulent claims and deductions, illegally reducing tax liabilities.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) uncovered these fraudulent transactions and subsequently filed complaints against the corporations for multiple violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended on 22 November 2023.

The DoJ ultimately found prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction to charge the corporations and their responsible officers., namely: Ernesto S.D. Buenviaje and Ruselle Anne A. Buenviaje of E.D. Buenviaje, and Arthur See and Betty Lim See of SSIC.

The respondents are charged before the CTA for violations of Sections 254 (Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax) and 255 (Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information) of the NIRC.

The total civil liability arising from these offenses amounts to approximately P73,327,789.20, exclusive of legal increments.

In 2022, the DoJ had found probable cause to file criminal cases against Buildforce Trading, Inc. and Decarich Supertrade, Inc., the entities operating as ghost receipt syndicates.

Remulla commended the efforts of BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., saying, “The partnership between the DoJ and BIR has once again brought our criminal justice system to greater heights, a testament to the Bagong Pilipinas governance and leadership of upholding the rule of law.”

“Together with Commissioner Lumagui, we will safeguard the integrity of our financial and economic systems,” added the Justice Secretary.