TAGBILARAN CITY – President Benigno S. Aquino III's administration through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) did not take lightly the tax evasion cases of big shots in the government, including Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of Sarangani province. Pacquiao, who overpowered American-Mexican Brando Rios in their recent fight in Macau, China, is reportedly not an ally with the administration party of the President. The President, who has visited Bohol, his third, minced no words of saying that the national boxing icon should settle his tax obligation with the government. Pacquiao “should not engage in media war,” the President said during a short press conference at Bohol Tropics Resort in the city where he was briefed of the status of the government response and rehabilitation efforts to help the victims after the earthquake.

BIR has reportedly ordered through “warrant of garnishment” to freeze bank account of Pacman due to pending tax evasion cases filed against him. Reports said that Pacquiao failed to prove he has settled his taxes from 2008-2009 with the BIR. BIR reportedly said that Pacman owed 2.2 billion pesos in back taxes as of July this year. Pacquiao had to borrow over P1 million to procure relief goods to Leyte typhoon victims as he promised after his fight. The borrowing also used to pay his staff, the report said. Reports have it that the national ring icon “paid taxes in the U.S. after his victories over Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya, and that a treaty prevents double taxation. While a criminal tax case was dropped by prosecutors for alleged unpaid taxes in 2010, tax claims for the 2008-2009 are still pending.”

The President was joined by his cabinet men, including Sec. Enrique Ona of the DOH; Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Sec. Mar Roxas, Social Welfare Sec. Dinky Soliman; Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson; Transportation Sec. Emilio Abaya; Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla, and other officials from other agencies and regional offices. Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos led the Bohol officials in welcoming the President and his entourage. Cong. Aris Aumentado (2nd district) was able to catch up during the program and inspection of the abatan bridge. (Ric V. Obedencio)