DOJ summons Cedric Lee over tax evasion complaint

Buena Bernal

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

DOJ summons Cedric Lee over tax evasion complaint
Preliminary investigation into the P195-million tax evasion complaint against the controversial businessman will be on April 28

MANILA, Philippines – Cedric Lee, the controversial businessman who is among those charged for the mauling of comedian-host Vhong Navarro, has been summoned to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a separate criminal complaint.

The DOJ will conduct its preliminary investigation into a tax evasion complaint against Lee on April 28 at 2 pm, Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano said in a text message.

On March 27, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed before the justice department criminal complaints against general contractor Izumo Contractors Incorporated (Izumo), and its 3 officers, including Lee who is president and chief executive offficer.

Izumo, Lee, Izumo’s chief operating officer John Ong, and chief financial officer Judy Gutierrez Lee were sued for willfull attempt to evade tax and deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in the annual income tax return for taxable years 2006 to 2009.

Watch this report below.

 

P195-M tax liability

The BIR said the company owes the government P194.47 million (around $4.37 million) in taxes, inclusive of surcharges and interests.

The BIR examined Izumo’s books of accounts after it received “confidential information” on its undeclared income.

Clients of Izumo include the local government units (LGUs) of Butuan City, Tagudin town in Ilocos Sur, San Juan City, Pasay City, and Davao del Sur province. Request letters were sent to access accounting records of the corresponding LGUs in relation to its transactions with Izumo.

A comparison of Izumo’s declared gross income with its income as certified by its LGU-clients showed “substantial” disparities, the BIR said.

Showbiz scandal

Lee has a standing arrest warrant issued on April 11 by a Taguig court over charges of serious illegal detention and grave coercion related to the beating of Navarro. 

Lee’s camp claims that the beating was an act of citizen’s arrest, as Navarro allegedly raped model Deniece Cornejo for less than a minute. (READ: Cornejo: Rape can happen in a minute, cites SC ruling)

Cornejo’s rape complaint against Navarro has been dismissed by the DOJ investigating panel for lack of probable cause.

The mauling incident occurred on January 22 at a unit in Forbeswood Heights Condominium in Taguig City, supposedly owned by one Soledad Ramos and was leased to Cornejo.

On April 12, a day after the warrant of arrest against Lee, Cornejo, and the 5 other suspects in the illegal detention of Navarro was issued by the Taguig trial court, Lee booked a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Dubai.

He later canceled his booking, said the Bureau of Immigration in a statement. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!