BIR Files ₱7.1B Tax Case Against Discaya Couple
BIR — The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed criminal charges against contractors Pacifico “Curlee” and Sarah Discaya before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly failing to pay ₱7.1 billion in taxes from 2018 to 2021. The couple, who are also linked to the flood control corruption issue, are accused of not paying large amounts in taxes, including unpaid income, excise, and documentary stamp taxes.
According to BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., the case also involves a corporate officer of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation, one of the Discayas’ companies. The BIR said the couple failed to pay their personal income taxes, excise taxes for nine luxury vehicles, and documentary stamp taxes related to their supposed “divestment” from four of their construction firms — St. Gerrard, St. Timothy, St. Matthew, and Alpha & Omega.
The Discayas earlier claimed they had already withdrawn from these companies, but the BIR found that they never submitted the required documents or paid the necessary taxes to make it official. Because of this, the agency concluded that the couple still own and benefit from those companies.
Commissioner Lumagui said the ₱7.1 billion uncovered so far is only the beginning. He explained that more charges may be filed once the ongoing audit of the Discayas’ businesses is completed, as additional unpaid taxes could still be discovered.
The investigation also revealed that the couple and their company failed to pay excise taxes for several luxury vehicles registered under their names, based on records from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The BIR said these findings show a clear pattern of tax evasion among certain government contractors.
Lumagui assured the public that the agency is determined to bring everyone involved to justice — not only the Discayas but also other contractors and officials connected to similar offenses. He emphasized that the BIR will ensure the Discaya couple and their partners face proper legal consequences for violating the country’s tax laws.