By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has stepped up its effort to collect more than ₱30 million in alleged unpaid taxes from lawyer Levito Baligod and his wife after issuing a Warrant of Distraint and Levy covering their reported tax liabilities for 2022.
A copy of the warrant disclosed by Baligod showed that the BIR assessed a total deficiency of ₱30,529,343.53, excluding surcharges, penalties, interest, and other charges that may accrue while the case remains unresolved.
The assessment consists of alleged deficiencies in income tax, value-added tax, withholding tax, fixed tax, registration fees, and other statutory assessments.
The revenue agency said collection proceedings were initiated after the taxpayers allegedly failed to settle the assessed obligations despite receiving formal notices and demands.
Under the National Internal Revenue Code, the issuance of a warrant of distraint empowers the BIR to seize personal property, while a warrant of levy authorizes the agency to enforce claims against real property to recover delinquent taxes.
Baligod, however, rejected the government’s assessment, insisting that all of his tax obligations for taxable year 2022 had already been paid in full.
In a statement posted on social media, the lawyer described the tax assessment as excessive and accused the administration of using the BIR to pressure him over cases he is handling.
He pointed out that the collection action came shortly after a Makati court ordered his arrest in connection with a cyberlibel complaint filed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The complaint stemmed from Baligod’s alleged public statements linking Laurel to purported kickback money supposedly transported in suitcases.
Baligod also serves as counsel for 18 individuals who claim to have acted as couriers in the alleged distribution of funds tied to controversial flood control projects.
While alleging political harassment, Baligod did not release documents publicly supporting his claim that the questioned taxes had already been settled.
The BIR, for its part, has yet to issue a public explanation addressing Baligod’s allegations or detailing the factual basis for the deficiency tax assessment.
ia/xf
