Duterte open to compromise on taxes with anyone

March 24, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he is open to compromise with those facing tax evasion cases since the government needs money.

In a speech before the Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Pasay City, Duterte said the process of prosecuting those with tax cases takes years.

"The law allows a compromise and I will allow compromise. Rather than the other party filing a case, from the Court of Tax Appeals to the Court of Appeals...it will be decided 10 years from now," he said.

"And I also need money now, not 10 years from now, I'm not around (anymore)," he added.

Duterte said any compromise would be reasonable.

"For those with big tax cases, (Carlos) Sonny Dominguez, the Finance officer, and (Cesar) Dulay, the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner), I have yet to convince them to compromise. It is not illegal, it is not unlawful for me to suggest this because rather than-you, know, if they choose to fight it in court and it is..the so very slow process," he said.

The president, although he did not mention Mighty Corporation, recalled he was asking for a P3-billion compromise after the company allegedly used fake stamps on its products. But Dominguez did not agree as the finance chief wanted a higher payment of P9 billion from Mighty.

Duterte asked businessmen to pay the right taxes as he promised to go after government officials and employees who would try to extort from them. Celerina Monte/DMS