MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced the filing of multiple criminal tax cases against three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials allegedly involved in irregularities in flood control projects in Bulacan.

In a statement, the BIR said the Department of Justice (DOJ) approved the filing of 44 criminal tax cases against former DPWH officials Jaypee De Leon Mendoza, Henry Alcantara, and Brice Ericson Hernandez, involving total tax liabilities exceeding PHP1.68 billion.

In separate resolutions, the DOJ found probable cause to charge the three former officials with tax evasion under Section 254 and related violations under Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

For Mendoza, a DOJ resolution dated March 26, 2026 recommended the filing of 16 criminal informations covering taxable years 2021 to 2024. The cases involve total income tax liabilities of more than PHP179.7 million.

According to the BIR, its investigation uncovered substantial underdeclarations of income, which it said constituted prima facie evidence of false or fraudulent tax returns under the Tax Code.

Meanwhile, a May 30, 2026 DOJ resolution recommended the filing of 18 criminal informations against Alcantara for taxable years 2022 to 2024, involving tax liabilities totaling more than PHP913.8 million.

The BIR said its investigation found a significant gap between Alcantara’s reported income and his acquisitions. It also established that no income tax returns were filed during the covered taxable years.

For Hernandez, the DOJ issued a resolution dated May 21, 2026 recommending the filing of 10 criminal informations covering taxable years 2020 to 2024, with total tax liabilities exceeding PHP593.7 million.

The BIR said its investigation found that Hernandez’s expenditures significantly exceeded his declared income for five straight years and likewise determined that no income tax returns had been filed for the period under review.

“The DOJ’s finding of probable cause is an important milestone in the enforcement process. These cases demonstrate the Bureau’s continuing commitment to enforce the tax laws based on evidence and in accordance with the law,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said.

He said the agency would continue pursuing tax evasion cases against individuals who conceal income, fail to file tax returns, or violate tax laws.

“The Bureau will continue to enforce the tax laws firmly, fairly, and consistently, while respecting due process at every stage of the proceedings,” Mendoza added.