MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer of multiple murder suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr is facing tax evasion charges filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before the Department of Justice Thursday, November 29.

In its complaint, the BIR said Atty. Arnel Cortex Manaloto violated Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) for failing to supply the agency with correct and accurate information in his income tax return and failing to file his value-added tax returns in 2011.

He is also facing charges for failing to register for VAT under Section 275 of the NIRC, while his audtor, Erwin Carreon, is charged for making false reports, a violation of Section 257 of the tax code.

Based on BIR's investigation, Manaloto declared income of only P1.495 million last year, when he acquired a total of 8 real estate properties in Davao City for P20 million.

The tax agency also said that Manaloto earned P37.97 million revenues, but failed to pay the corresponding VAT.

"His declaration of an income of only P1.495 million for 2011 was a deliberate ploy to avoid having to register as a VAT taxpayer," the BIR said.

Manaloto owes the government deficiency taxes worth P27.56 million, including surcharge and interest.

Manaloto is the lawyer of Ampatuan Jr., whose clan ruled Maguindanao province for years. Ampatuan Jr. is facing multiple murder charges for the massacre of 58 people, including the wife and relatives of a political rival and journalists, in 2009. - Rappler.com