MANILA — The Department of Justice has found prima facie evidence to charge government contractors Sarah Discaya and Curlee Discaya with tax evasion, saying the evidence establishes a “reasonable certainty of conviction.”
In a statement released Wednesday, the DOJ said prosecutors are preparing to file criminal charges against the couple for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), specifically Section 254 (Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax) and Section 255 (Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information).
The cases stem from separate complaints filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and jointly evaluated by DOJ prosecutors.
According to the DOJ, the Discayas were found to have breached Section 254 by “concealing and/or underdeclaring their true and correct income for taxable years 2020 and 2021, in their respective capacities as sole proprietors of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation and Fine Things Fashion Wear House.”
The agency also said there is prima facie evidence that both violated Section 255 of the NIRC.
“Further, the DOJ found prima facie evidence that both Curlee Discaya and Sarah Discaya violated Section 255 of the NIRC for failing to supply correct and accurate information in their respective Income Tax Returns for taxable years 2020 and 2021,” it added.
The DOJ’s findings followed an investigation into the couple’s tax filings linked to the two business entities. The case is separate from other probes involving the Discayas./PN
