Restaurant operator, equipment contractor face tax evasion charges

MANILA -- Tax evasion charges worth P61.76 million were filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday against a food service equipment contractor and restaurant operator.

In its complaint, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) found out that Valenzuela-based Gomeco Metal Corporation had huge difference between its declared gross sales and third party sources amounting to P30.45 million in 2008.

The government seeks to recover P32.37 million in deficiency taxes from the corporation engaged in contracting stainless steel food service equipment.

Charged were Gomeco officials George Kaw (president), Evangeline Kaw (treasurer) and Jonathan Kaw (general manager) for violating sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code or attempting to evade or defeat taxes, failing to file correct and accurate information in its income tax return and failing to file value added tax returns and making it appear that it filed a tax return.

Gomeco's customers included University of the East-Recto, SM Prime Holdings, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., JGC Philippines Inc. and SMCC Philippines Inc.

The BIR also sued the Mandaluyong-based La Chilo Chinese Cuisine Inc. for failing to pay P29.39 million in deficiency taxes in 2007.

The BIR sent demand letters to La Chilo to collect on the deficiency taxes and issued and served warrants of garnishment to banks.

Only one bank responded, Metrobank’s Maysilo-Mandaluyong branch, and it garnished P30,966.95 which was not sufficient to cover the tax obligation.

Listed in the charge sheet were Generosa Ortega and Lalaine Ortega, the president and treasurer, respectively of the 16-year-old company for violating section 255 of the NIRC.

La Chilo is involved in the establishment and maintenance of restaurants, refreshments and other food or commodities, and offers other services in connection with the operation of restaurant and catering enterprises. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)