KNOCKS OUT TAX CASE. The DOJ junks tax case against Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has junked the tax case against boxing superstar and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao on Friday, November 16, saying the athlete could not be faulted for failing to answer a subpoena he did not receive.

The DOJ said in a resolution that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) failed to personally serve the subpoena to Pacquiao that would have duly informed him of the need to submit tax records to the agency.

The DOJ said that BIR officer Abdul Taratingan delivered the subpoena in General Santos City in January but it was received by a certain Jocelyn Nebria and not by Pacquiao himself.

Revenue Memorandum Order No. 88-2010 specifies that a subpoena must be personally received by the subject of the case.

Pacquiao was charged by the BIR in March for "failing to obey summons," a violation of Section 266 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

BIR Revenue Region Director Rozil Lozares said they sent the subpoena then to Pacquiao to compel him to submit tax records in connection with their ongoing probe on his alleged failure to pay the right taxes in 2010. - Rappler.com