Road users' group to file tax evasion raps vs Stradcom

MANILA, Philippines –  A road users’ group is set to file a tax evasion case against Stradcom Corp., the information technology provider of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), for allegedly failing to pay taxes on fees it received from the registration of vehicles and processing of driver’s licenses all over the country.

Dave Diwa, executive director of the Road Users Protection Advocates (RUPA), said they will coordinate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine the firm’s total tax dues for the last several years.

“As soon as we get the documents and other evidence we will file the case in court,” he said.

Stradcom, however disputed the allegation. Vice president Vince Dizon said Stradcom, as a duly registered pioneer company with the Board of Investments, was granted an income tax holiday until 2008 and was therefore exempt from paying income taxes.

“However, we have been diligent in paying all other national and local taxes and have paid our due income taxes in 2009 and 2010,” Dizon said.