The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed criminal complaints for tax evasion against two contractors linked to allegedly anomalous “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, collectively facing charges amounting to P13.8 million.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Marin announced that the agency filed charges against Sally Santos, proprietor of SYMS Construction Trading, and Robert Imperio, President of IM Construction.
The alleged tax deficiencies stem from fictitious expenses, underreported income, and false Value Added Tax (VAT) declarations. The filing is part of the BIR’s broader effort to investigate widespread anomalies in public works; the agency has now filed 12 criminal complaints related to flood-control projects, with an estimated P8.87 billion in total potential tax liabilities currently under investigation.
The specific allegations detail the non-delivery of public works projects despite receiving full payment. SYMS Construction Trading, owned by Sally Santos, allegedly collected 100 percent of the contract amount for the construction of a reinforced river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag; however, no structure was reportedly built on the site.
Similarly, IM Construction Corporation, headed by Robert Imperio, is accused of receiving payments for a pumping station and flood gate project intended for Barangay Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy, even though the structure was never constructed.
The BIR is prosecuting the cases under the agency’s Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program, emphasizing its commitment to pursuing contractors who engage in illegal activities to avoid paying correct taxes on government contracts.