MANILA, Philippines — Election watchdog groups and legal advocates have formally requested the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to investigate Senator Rodante Marcoleta for potential tax fraud following his public admission of receiving undisclosed campaign contributions.
Key Details of the Complaint:
- The Allegation: In a letter dated February 24, 2026, groups Kontra Daya (led by Danilo Arao) and Advocates of Public Interest Law (led by Alexander Lacson) cited a television interview where Marcoleta admitted to receiving campaign funds but intentionally declaring “zero contributions” in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) filed with the Comelec.
- Reason for Nondisclosure: Marcoleta reportedly explained that the omission was deliberate to protect the identities of his donors.
- Potential Violations:
- Donor’s Tax: The groups argue that campaign contributions are only exempt from donor’s tax under strict conditions, including full disclosure. Intentional concealment suggests these taxes were not paid.
- Income Tax: If any portion of the undeclared funds was diverted for personal use rather than legitimate campaign expenses, it would constitute taxable income.
- Tax Evasion: The “willfulness” of the nondisclosure could be interpreted as tax fraud or evasion under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).
Calls for Action:
The advocates urged BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza to conduct a fact-finding investigation to:
- Determine if donor’s taxes were properly paid by the concerned contributors.
- Assess if any undeclared funds should be treated as unreported taxable income for the Senator.
- Investigate if the act constitutes intentional tax fraud.
“Public confidence in tax administration is eroded when public officials openly admit to financial nondisclosure without accountability,” the groups stated in their letter.