Photo courtesy from PTV

In its continued effort to crack down on tax fraud, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed tax evasion complaints against 23 corporations found to have used so-called ghost receipts—a scheme that enables businesses to understate income or overstate expenses, effectively dodging their tax obligations.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced the development, saying the cases cover not only the corporations themselves but also 56 corporate officers, including the accountants allegedly involved in the transactions.

“We have filed 23 cases against 23 corporations and 56 individuals, including accountants, for their involvement in the use of ghost receipts,” Lumagui said. “The total tax deficiency assessed in these cases amounts to around ₱1.41 billion.”

The complaints were filed under the BIR’s Run After Fake Transactions campaign, which targets fraudulent activities that significantly drain public revenue. The commissioner emphasized that such schemes, though seemingly technical, have serious consequences for the government’s ability to fund essential services.

“These fake transactions directly hurt the government. Every peso lost to tax evasion is a peso less for infrastructure, education, and public health,” Lumagui added.

In a related matter, Lumagui also addressed questions surrounding businessman Atong Ang, whose name has been floated in connection with tax concerns. The BIR chief clarified that as of now, there is no formal request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to begin an investigation into Ang’s tax records.

“We are open to investigating anyone, including Atong Ang, once we receive credible information or a request from the proper authorities,” Lumagui said. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of influence or position, pays the correct taxes.”

The BIR’s latest move sends a strong message: the agency is not backing down from its mandate to enforce tax laws and hold accountable those who attempt to cheat the system.