The head office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Quezon City. (Photo from AFP)
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has joined the investigation of allegations that Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista has about P1 billion in undeclared assets.
On Sunday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre met with BIR Commissioner Cesar Dulay and discussed the parameters of the investigation and sharing of documents and findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
鈥淲e need to see if there are tax liabilities based on the affidavit and documents we have gathered,鈥� Aguirre said in a phone interview. 鈥淭he BIR wants to partner with us in this investigation.鈥�
Aguirre said the BIR chief would issue a letter of authority, which would allow revenue officers to examine the accounting records of Bautista and others mentioned in Patricia鈥檚 affidavit.
鈥淔inance Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez has been informed about it [letter of authority],鈥� Aguirre said.
The NBI, through its Anti-Fraud Division has already started with its investigation.
Based on the progress report submitted to Aguirre, the NBI already coordinated with various agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to examine the more than 30 bank accounts mentioned by Bautista鈥檚 estranged wife Patricia.
鈥淭he conduct of parallel money laundering investigation was likewise requested from AMLC,鈥� the NBI report stated.
Bautista has been accused by his wife Patricia Paz of amassing P1 billion in ill-gotten wealth. Aside from the more than 30 bank accounts, she also mentioned of various properties and investments made by the Comelec chief.
The NBI likewise coordinated with the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which Bautista headed from 2010 to 2015.
The NBI also coordinated with the Office of the Ombudsman for Bautista鈥檚 statement of assets, liabilities, and networth (SALN).
They also coordinated with the Land Registration Authority (LRA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), and various property developers.
In justifying the investigation, Aguirre said the marital spat was unfortunate.
鈥淏ut the government has to protect public interest,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here is an allegation here of illegally acquired wealth and we have to know of it is true.鈥�
黑料社 tried to get Bautista鈥檚 reaction, but he has not responded as of posting time. /atm