Filipino Boxer Icon and Sarangani Representative Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is now facing a controversial issue with the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue).
In regard with this controversy, President Benigno Aquino denied that government is out to the har(–foul word(s) removed–) with the reported order from BIR to freeze his aasets.
In an interview, Aquino said to Pacquiao he has nothing to worry about if he has complied with the relevant tax rules and laws.
“Bakit siya iha-har(–foul word(s) removed–)? Saan ba ang logic noon? I understand, the accounts total P1.1 million. What is that compared to all of his winnings? Ang dulo nito siguro, and with all due respect to Congressman Pacquiao, if he believes that he has complied with all the necessary rules and all the necessary laws, surely he has all the evidence to afford,” Aquino said.
With this alleged issue, Aquino defended the BIR by saying, “its queries to Pacquiao are legitimate and were done as early two years ago and he also described Pacquiao’s nonresponses as “cavalier.”
Aquino also said in a statement that the rules and laws about taxes in US and Philippines has difference, and the issue about BIR was asked for him two years ago and Pacquiao didn’t give any response to legitimate summonses by BIR.
Aquino also added that he is not an expert of Internal Revenue Code, but the bottom line is the difference of tax rate in other countries.
The President also urge Pacquiao to respond to the BIR through the process and not to engage in “media war.”