BIR executive axed over unexplained wealth

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has dismissed from service a revenue officer following a resolution by the Office of the Ombudsman finding him guilty of dishonesty, grave misconduct and amassing unexplained wealth.

In a 21-page resolution issued last Aug. 20, the BIR sacked Amado Navarro, saying he violated provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees or Republic Act 6713 when he accumulated unexplained wealth.

The Ombudsman also ordered the filing of a criminal case against Navarro for perjury and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices law (RA 3019) and a forfeiture case against his ill-gotten properties.

The Ombudsman’s decision stemmed from a complaint filed against Navarro by the Department of Finance-Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS) in March 2005, during Cesar Purisima’s previous stint as finance secretary in the same year. 

In its investigation, DOF-RIPS found out that Navarro had acquired a portfolio of exclusive properties during his tenure in BIR, including a 151-square meter residential lot; two other lots measuring 308 and 429 square meters; two multiple-story buildings; a two-story residential and commercial building; two commercial lots measuring 179 and 274 square meters, both in Baguio: 2.6 hectares of agricultural land; a resort, commercial building and stalls – all in Naguilian, La Union.

He also has several vehicles – including a Suzuki Grand Vitara, an Isuzu Bighorn, a Toyota FX and an Opel Tigra – allegedly registered under the name of his relatives, although he had the beneficial use of them.

Aside from failure to disclose his true assets, Navarro’s business interests and that of his spouse were also unknown until the investigation revealed that he owned properties for lease and bikes for hire and his wife had business interests, including a resort, in La Union.