MANNY PACQUIAO FROM HERO TO ZERO
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Nov 2013
Congressman Manny Pacquiao is facing one of the most important bouts of his life, the P2.2 billion tax evasion case imposed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Last Sunday, he was the hero of the disaster-struck Philippines, giving pride and glory in the thick of natural devastation.
Pacquiao was given a hero's welcome in General Santos City and his province/district of Saranggani. The next day the BIR implemented garnishment of his 22 bank accounts. The agency also planned to freeze his mansions, cars and other valuable possessions.
It was alleged that he failed to pay taxes from his ring earnings in 2008-2009. He insisted that he paid taxes after his victories over Ricky Hatton and Oscar de la Hoya.
"The money that was garnished by [the Bureau of Internal Revenue] is not stolen,? Pacquiao said. ?This came from all of the punches, beatings, blood and sweat that I endured in the ring.?
"I appeal to them to remove the garnishment so that I can move and pay for my staff's salaries,? Pacquiao told reporters. ?I am not a criminal or a thief.?
BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said that the only document which Pacquiao presented as a proof of his tax payments was a letter from promoter Top Rank and HBO stating the taxes he has paid in the United States, but nothing from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
"That is self-serving and a mere scrap of paper," she said. "What he can do is go to the IRS, ask IRS to certify this copy (of his tax payments) as a true copy. We have been waiting for that for two years."
Pacquiao's lawyer Atty. Tranquil Salvador said that he would not give the BIR the tax documents. "This is no longer within the jurisdiction of the BIR," the counsel said. "The tax case is now with the court of tax appeals. We do not have to submit anything to the BIR." A hearing at the Court of Tax Appeals has been set on December 5.
"For each of Manny?s fights that occurred in the United States, including those in 2008 and 2009, Top Rank withheld 30% of Manny's purses and paid those monies directly to the IRS via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)," said promoter Bob Arum. "Top Rank has deposit confirmations for each payment. Top Rank has done the same for all U.S. endorsements it has facilitated on Manny's behalf."
Pacquiao, the country's richest congressman, said he borrowed P1 million to buy relief goods to be distributed to 10,000 families in Tacloban. He promised to visit the Yolanda-distressed place to give them solace amidst their grief.
Most of the Filipino people sympathized with the fighting solon. Some said the timing was not right since he just won a most important comeback fight and the country is rejoicing. Christmas is also on the air and his 35th birthday is coming on December 17.
Most fans blamed politics to be behind the move since Pacquiao is a partymate of Vice President Jejomar Binay's United Nationalist Alliance. He is also an ally of the former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
Pacquiao has survived the bitterest challenges of his life. He grew up from rags to riches. He lost twice in a row with the most controversial decision and the most brutal knockout. He won handily over Brandon Rios and was able to revive his career.
This time he was tested by the government he served as an elected official. God again tried the strength of his faith. Through all these trying times, we know Pacquiao will rise again.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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