BIR triumphs over ghost receipts in tax evasion case

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines continues its stringent crackdown on tax evasion with its recent legal victory against Buildforce Trading Inc.

This triumph in the campaign known as the Run After Fake Transaction program marks a significant step in eradicating the prevalent use of so-called “Ghost Receipts”.

Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. has expressed a staunch stance against these fraudulent practices.

“The first day of March 2024, we won another criminal case against the syndicate. This syndicate ends now. The culture of using Ghost Receipts ends now.”

On March 1, 2024, following a decisive win at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the BIR has moved to file criminal cases against the corporate officers and the accountant of Buildforce Trading Inc.

The charges laid out in the seven criminal cases before the Regional Trial Court and Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City include violations of various sections of the National Internal Revenue Code.

This is not the first of such legal actions taken by the BIR under Commissioner Lumagui’s leadership.

Previously, on February 15, 2024, the Commissioner, in cooperation with the DOJ, initiated similar proceedings against Decarich Supertrade Inc. and Redington Corporation.

Commissioner Lumagui has emphasized the gravity of the offense, declaring, “The use of Ghost Receipts is economic sabotage. It is the highest form of tax evasion.”

With cases against Decarich Supertrade Inc., Redington Corporation, and now Buildforce Trading Inc. pending before the courts, the BIR reaffirms its dedication to its crusade against economic sabotage through Ghost Receipts, regardless of whether the proceedings are before the DOJ or the judiciary.

This latest victory signals a warning to those who might consider engaging in such illicit activities: the BIR is watching, and it is winning.