BIR vs Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines—Instead of defending Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, Malacañang should reprimand her for “publicly flashing” world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s tax records, a senator said on Wednesday.

While Filipinos here and abroad were unanimous in hailing Pacquiao’s recent victory over Timothy Bradley, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano lamented that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here “seems to be more eager in publicly flashing his tax scorecards.”



“Hindi naman po yata tamang i-demonize natin si Manny na walang ginawa kung hindi maghatid ng karangalan at kasiyahan sa ating bansa at sa lahat ng Pilipino sa buong mundo,” said Cayetano, who has publicly declared his intention to run for president in 2016.

(I don’t think it’s right to demonize Manny, who has done nothing but bring honor to our country and the entire Filipinos throughout the world.)

“I understand the BIR’s role and mission. Although tax collection is unpopular, it is necessary. But don’t destroy the very few things that make Filipinos unite and make us forget the calamities, problems and harshness of life, even if just for a few hours or a day,” he said.

Cayetano said Pacquiao should not be given a special treatment but he should not be crucified either publicly.

“Don’t be overacting, or Kulang sa Pansin,” said the senator.

Cayetano then trained his guns at Malacañang for quickly defending its appointees.

“A reprimand is in order. Being interviewed or asked by the media is not an excuse. The commissioner could have said ‘no comment,’ and reminded Manny privately of his obligations,” he said.

He was referring to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma’s statement that Henares was just answering the media’s questions when she publicly discussed about Pacquiao’s tax liabilities shortly after his victory.

“Collect taxes. Do your job. But do it with respect and with dignity. That is the Filipino way. Even in collecting taxes,” Cayetano added.

--Inquirer