President Duterte is open to a compromise with big tax evaders but has drawn the line against installment payments of tax settlements.

The President has rejected Chinese gaming tycoon Jack Lam’s proposal to pay his tax liabilities in eight installments, saying he prefers the payment of the full amount.

Duterte, in his recent public remarks at the Palace, explained that he intends to use the additional revenues to improve the facilities of public hospitals in Basilan and Jolo.

“He has offered to pay 8 installments. Sabi ko, ‘no, no, no,’” Duterte said, referring to Lam who faces arrest over allegations of bribery and economic sabotage.

“Sabi ko, give it to me at once because as I have announced earlier I will build a hospital sa Basilan worth one billion, (sa) Jolo and (sa) Mary Johnston,” he added.

Duterte said he would ask the Philippine Army to upgrade the public hospitals to provide better health care to the constituents. .

Lam left the country after Duterte ordered his arrest for alleged bribery and economic sabotage last December. Authorities have also shut down gaming properties owned by Lam after more than 1,000 illegal Chinese workers were arrested last year.

The President later said he would allow Lam to return to the country if he pays his back taxes. Lam must also agree to a renegotiation of his contract that had him remitting only one percent of revenues to the government, Duterte said.

Lam reportedly owes P13.9 billion to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Tags: Duterte, Duterte administration, Jack Lam, Manila Bulletin, President Duterte, President Rodrigo Duterte, tax, tax evasion

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn D. Kabiling

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