DOJ files PHP73M tax evasion charges against Buenviaje Builders, Synergy Sales

On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed 18 criminal charges with the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) against Buenviaje Builders, Inc. and Synergy Sales International Corporation for tax evasion.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue accused these companies of transacting with ghost firms like Buildforce Trading, Inc. and Decarich Supertrade, Inc., to issue fraudulent receipts that reduced their tax liabilities unlawfully.

Ernesto S.D. Buenviaje, Ruselle Anne Buenviaje from E.D. Buenviaje, and Arthur See, Betty Lim See from SSIC were named responsible officers in the charges.

The DOJ determined there was sufficient evidence to charge the corporations under Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for attempting to evade taxes and failing to provide accurate information.

The total civil liability for these offenses is approximately PHP73.327 million, excluding legal increments, according to the DOJ.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. warned that buyers and users of ghost receipts will face imprisonment as part of a broader government initiative against such schemes.