The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has invalidated the accreditation of an accountant who was involved in a syndicate specializing in fake receipts. Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. announced that Jennifer Cunanan Roncesvalles, an external auditor, has had her certified public accountant (CPA) certificate revoked. This action comes in light of her connection to companies that have been criminally charged for the sale of ghost receipts.
Roncesvalles is currently facing a criminal case before the Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as an administrative case seeking the revocation of her license before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The BIR has been actively intensifying its efforts to combat the use of ghost receipts, which are fictitious receipts or invoices used to falsely claim deductions or expenses, as well as input VAT based on nonexistent transactions.
According to Commissioner Lumagui, these fabricated receipts imitate legitimate business transactions, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government that amount to billions of pesos. Lumagui also issued a stern warning to all CPAs involved in the issuance of fake or ghost receipts, stating that they risk losing their PRC license, BIR accreditation, and may face imprisonment for tax evasion. He emphasized the importance of upholding the core values of the accounting profession and the responsibility it carries in the country’s financial system.
The BIR’s decision to revoke Roncesvalles’ accreditation reflects its commitment to combating fraudulent practices that undermine the integrity of the tax system. By taking such decisive action and pursuing legal measures, the BIR aims to deter other accountants from engaging in similar illicit activities. The objective is to safeguard government revenues and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in taxation.
