BIR chief advises Pacquiao to focus on his fight

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—“Don’t think of me,” was Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares’ message to Sarangganni Representative Manny Pacquiao who is scheduled for a rematch with WBO Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley.

Henares and Pacquiao locked horns on the over P2 billion tax deficiency case from his earnings in 2008 and 2009.

Henares told reporters Thursday that she should be the least of Pacquiao’s concerns.

“He should concentrate on his fight with Bradley. I hope he wins,” Henares said.

Henares said she hopes Pacquiao has already learned his lesson, and would accurately declare and pay his taxes.

Henares also said she hopes Bob Arum would get an interpreter so he would understand all her pronouncements in Filipino about Pacquiao’s tax woes.

“It’s Holy Week, [we] should be more tolerant,” Henares added.

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