After Pacquiao, BIR chief Henares runs after boxing fans

By: 10 years ago

BIR Commisioner Kim Henares INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Revenue commissioner Kim Henares has another target after bugging welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao about his undeclared tax liabilities – the boxing champion’s fans.

This as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) chief claimed even the gambling income among bettors during boxing bouts should be taxed.

Gambling money under the National Internal Revenue Code is considered taxable. It’s just a matter of enforcing it, Henares said in a phone interview with INQUIRER.net on Tuesday.

“That’s the law… All gambling wins whether legal or illegal are taxable,” Henares said, when asked if the law even includes bettors during the boxing fights of Pacquiao.

Henares said it may be difficult to enforce the law as there are no receipts issued for gambling spoils.

“It’s the law. If you’re asking me the legal, I’m answering you legally,” she said.

Henares said the revenue-collecting body may only clamp down on bettors not paying their taxes through lifestyle checks.

Pacquiao has been the latest target of Henares after the boxing champion allegedly failed to pay over P2.2 billion in tax from his winnings in 2008 and 2009.

The revenue commissioner remained persistent on Pacquiao to declare his income even after his latest victory against American boxer Timothy Bradley.