Tax evasion raps vs Pacman, a political mistake - analyst

MANILA, Philippines - The tax evasion case lodged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Mannny Pacquiao is a blunder committed by the government, according to a political analyst.

Mon Casiple of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform said the Aquino administration has not only earned the ire of Pacquiao but also the general public who sees the boxer as the underdog with the tax evasion raps.

Casiple said he doubts if BIR Commission Kim Henares consulted with President Benigno Aquino III on the matter regarding Pacquiao's case.

"I don't know kung nag consult sya (Henares) but from my vantage point,  it's political boo-boo yan. Nag create ka ng kalaban without gaining anything, politically I mean. At  yung kalaban mo pa yung pinakapopular na tao sa balat ng lupa ngayon kasi kapapapapanalo lang. Kung baga, killjoy ka," he said.

Pacquiao's case also highlights the insensitivity of the government, Casiple said.

"Unfortunately, parang it adds to the impression that this government is not working as one and  therefore is incompetent .

"Parang yung decision ng BIR na i-tax mo lahat ng tumutulong sa biktima o kaya i-tax yung mga pamilya nung mga namatayan. May inheritance tax involved. I mean totoong may ganun pero not in the midst of a crisis. No sensitivity dito. It's too appalling,"he said.

On the flipside, Casiple said Pacquiao could benefit from the issue and boost his political career in the 2016 national elections.

"I think Pacquiao will use it. Kasi yung ganyan, underdog siya dyan...Assuming 'yung trajectory 'yung kanyang political career to run for senator in 2016 ay sigurado makakatulong sa kanya ang ganyang publicity," he added.

Pacquiao has disclosed that he borrowed money to extend aid to victims of the super typhoon Yolanda. He also complained that the freeze order on his bank accounts meant that he is unable to pay the salary of his staff.

On the other hand, Henares said the BIR should not be made an excuse if Pacquiao is unable to send help to typhoon victims. She added that the BIR only froze Pacquiao's P1.1-million in two bank accounts and did not include other bank accounts.