BIR, SEC say ABS-CBN has no violation

The Bureau of Internal Revenue and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Monday that as far as they are concerned, ABS-CBN Corporation has committed no violation of the law.

During the hearing of the Senate public services committee, Simplicio Cabantac of the BIR said ABS-CBN has regularly filed taxes.

Cabantac said that from 2016 to 2019, the broadcast company has paid a total of P14,398,464,716 in taxes.

Last week, BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa told reporters that ABS-CBN has no pending tax issue with the agency.

“Wala... walang pending with us,” Guballa told reporters on the sidelines of the “National Tax Campaign kick-off” in Pasay City.

On the other hand, SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis Amatong said they are not aware of any complaint filed against ABS-CBN.

“At this time, we are not aware of any violation or any ongoing complaint or investigation involving ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN is a listed  company that is subject to reportorial requirement,” he said.

“As far as we know, right now no violation doesn’t preclude possible investigation,” he added.

Solicitor General Jose Calida earlier filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN for its alleged “highly abusive practices” such as the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners. — RSJ, GMA News