DoJ to file tax evasion cases vs Discaya couple

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) is set to file two tax evasion cases before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) against spouses Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya II and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” C. Discaya, following the resolution of five complaints initiated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez on Tuesday said the department recently completed its review of the cases, which involved alleged violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

“A total of five tax evasion complaints were resolved in the past weeks against Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya,” Mr. Martinez told reporters in a Viber group chat.

“We can report that two will be filed with the CTA. Sarah and Curlee [Discaya] respectively are respondents in each,” he said, though no schedule has yet been set for the filing of the cases.

The complaints stem from Sections 254 and 255 of the NIRC, which cover willful attempts to evade or defeat taxes and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information, respectively.

Meanwhile, Mr. Martinez confirmed that subpoenas have been issued for Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada, former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr., along with other respondents, over plunder complaints.

“PI (preliminary investigation) hearings for the plunder cases are scheduled on Feb. 2 and 12,” he said, adding that the first hearing is set for the formal receipt of the complaint. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking