Zoren Legaspi loses bid for more time to answer tax case

Zoren Legaspi

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) rejected the request of  actor Zoren Legaspi for more time to submit his written defense against the P4.45-million tax evasion complaint filed against him by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano has turned down the request of Legaspi.

In a two-page motion dated May 30, Legaspi’s lawyer Ricardo Ribo sought more time to submit counter-affidavit for the tax evasion complaint. He said he would be in Tacloban City from June 1 to 9 to coordinate with organizers of the ongoing livelihood projects in San Jose village and rehabilitation efforts in San Joaquin, Palo and Jaro, Leyte.

“Further, upon perusal of the complaint, respondent (Legaspi) would need to secure documentary evidence from alleged withholding agents and some government agencies to enable respondent to prepare and submit his counter-affidavit,” the motion read.

Last May 28, Legaspi failed to appear before the DOJ. Instead, his accountant Flora Capili appeared on his behalf. Capili said they discovered that the actor has four tax identification numbers after they asked certifications from companies that engaged Legaspi’s services.

Mariano did not admit Capili’s testimony into the records, saying she was not accompanied by a lawyer. Mariano then required Legaspi to personally subscribe to his counter-affidavit on Friday.

The BIR said Legaspi willfully and substantially understated his correct taxable income by P2.85 million or 42 percent in 2010 and P4.67 million or 256 percent in 2012.

Legaspi’s tax liability, including surcharges and interests, was broken down into: 2010 – P1.92 million; and 2012 – P2.53 million.

RELATED STORIES

BIR files tax raps vs Zoren Legaspi

Zoren Legaspi has four tax identification numbers—accountant