MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice against former presidential spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega over alleged tax violations linked to Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc.

In a statement, the BIR said its investigation found that the respondents allegedly failed to file required tax returns and pay taxes due on the transfer of shares of stock and increases in authorized capital stock.

The agency said the total estimated tax deficiency involved amounts to PHP3.35 million.

The BIR said it found probable cause to charge the respondents for willful attempt to evade taxes under Section 254 and failure to file tax returns under Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

Under Section 254, tax evasion is punishable by fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million and imprisonment of six to 10 years. Violations under Section 255 carry similar penalties, along with payment of corresponding tax liabilities.

The BIR also filed separate complaints against other individuals and entities, including Terjonan Transport Company Inc., Rhodora Andrada Zamora, and Maria Teresa Emflorgo Sarmiento, over alleged unpaid value-added tax (VAT) for taxable year 2017 amounting to PHP9.178 million.

Another case was filed against Niefel Mae Heria Demonteverde for alleged unpaid tax liabilities for taxable year 2019 amounting to PHP8.44 million, covering income tax, VAT, and other obligations.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the complaints are part of the agency’s ongoing case build-up under its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program, which falls under the Revenue Collection and Base Protection pillar of the DARES reform initiative.

DARES is a five-point priority agenda launched by the BIR in early 2026 aimed at modernizing tax administration and improving transparency.

Mendoza said the bureau will continue to pursue legal action against individuals and companies that allegedly evade taxes or ignore lawful assessments.