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Former presidential spokesperson and congressman Harry Roque Jr. answers questions at the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on Aug. 23, 2024.
HREP
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed tax evasion complaints against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, his wife and an associate over alleged violations tied to a company transaction.
In a statement dated Monday, April 27, the BIR said the complaint was filed with the Department of Justice against Roque, his wife Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega.
The case involves alleged tax violations related to Biancham Holdings and Trading Inc, which was linked to the raided Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming or POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The BIR said its investigation found that the respondents failed to file required tax returns and pay taxes arising from a transfer of shares and an increase in authorized capital stock.
The bureau estimated the tax deficiency at more than P3.35 million, inclusive of surcharges and interest.
"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.
Roque abroad
Roque is currently in Europe, where he said he is seeking asylum.
An arrest warrant has been issued against him by a Regional Trial Court in Angeles City, Pampanga, in connection with a separate case for qualified human trafficking.
The charge stems from his alleged ties to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque has denied the allegations.
No court ruling has been issued on the tax complaints, and those named are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
