05/13/2011 | 10:58 PM
President Benigno Aquino III has pushed for the swift resolution of tax evasion cases as part of his administration’s judicial reforms.
The President cited as among his accomplishments 42 tax evasion charges the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed so far. The latest is a complaint against Arroyo administration economic planning chief Romulo Neri. Also recently charged with tax evasion is Ang Galing party-list Representative Mikey Arroyo, son of former President Gloria Arroyo.
Aquino said he is concerned about the slow pace of cases in the judicial system.
"Masaya tayo na na-accomplish iyung mission ng BIR to file cases every other week. There are something like 42 cases already filed. The only worry... judicial reform is one of the planks of our reform agenda. Ang kaso takes mga six years to adjudicate... tapos na po ‘yung term natin, baka ‘di matapos ito," Aquino said.
Disputing criticisms that his administration is targeting particular persons and groups, the chief executive said the charges are based on evidence. "It is not the filing of cases that is the priority, pero kung may pruweba, may nagkakasala, dapat may kaukulang kaparusahan," the President said.