Kim Henares and Manny PAcquiao FILE PHOTO
LAS VEGAS—All Manny Pacquiao wants is a fair deal from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the settlement of his tax problems back home. He won’t run and won’t cheat in the payment of his taxes.
Fact is, Pacquiao salutes BIR Commissioner Kim Henares for going after tax evaders.
“I agree and support her drive,” Pacquiao said in Filipino. “As long as everybody gets equal treatment.”
“I have nothing to hide,” added Pacquiao, who wrapped up his training for his grudge rematch with Timothy Bradley. “I’m honest and fear God.”
Pacquiao was reacting to reports that Henares is waiting for him to come home after his showdown with Bradley at MGM Grand Arena here.
Henares reportedly wants to look after Pacquiao’s income statements and the status of his tax deficits with the Internal Revenue Service in the US.
According to Pacquiao, who’s guaranteed to receive $20 million for the 12-round pay-per-view bout, he has nothing to worry.
“The tax here (in Las Vegas) is 35 percent and you can’t evade it. All I need is to provide proof of my tax payments in America.”
For another, Pacquiao has met with President Aquino and explained the deficiencies.
With politicians
“He was helpful and I’m very thankful,” said Pacquiao, who entertained some politicians at his palatial suite on the 61st floor of a Mandalay Bay hotel
Pacquiao’s advisers, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, arrived earlier than the others.
Other familiar presence in Pacquiao fights, Bacolod City Rep. Bing Leonardia and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, came while Pacquiao was having dinner on Thursday.
Sen. Ralph Recto arrived later as Pacquiao ate sparingly his food (beef with mushroom and asparagus, fried salmon, daing, chicken tinola, stewed beans and white rice).
Pacquiao had banana slices for dessert and then gulped down his vitamin supplements.
Pacquiao can’t eat heartily before the official weigh-in Friday afternoon at MGM Grand.
He needs to tip the scales at 147 pounds or less to get his chance for a revenge against Bradley.
RELATED STORIES
Henares tells Pacquiao not to think of her in the ring
Henares: BIR firm on pursuing Pacquiao over alleged unpaid tax
Pacquiao, Henares in shootfest