Government lawyers act to bring back tax credit scam brains

MANILA, Philippines - Government lawyers of the Office of the Ombudsman are preparing to take legal steps that will bring alleged tax credit scam brains Faustino Chingkoe back to the country.

Deputy Special Prosecutor Jesus Micael said the Chinese national violated the conditions of his travel permit issued by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division.

 “The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) will take necessary legal steps in coordination with other government agencies,” he told The Star in an interview adding that he cannot reveal any more details about the same.

Chingkoe was granted a permit to travel to China days before a plunder charge, a non-bailable offense, was filed against him before the Sandiganbayan First Division.

He was supposed to return to the country on April 24, 2009 but his lawyers filed a motion to extend his stay abroad claiming that their client has fallen ill.

The Fourth Division, which is hearing a different graft case filed against him, however rejected the request and ordered the forfeiture of the P1.29-million bond that he posted.

Government lawyers are expected to file a motion for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Chingkoe which will help speed up efforts to bring him back to the country.

As owner of Filstar Textile Corp., he is accused of conspiring with government officials in causing the issuance of the tax credit certificates (TCC) in favor of his company even if it is not qualified to receive tax incentives under Executive Order No. 226 or the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987.