Customs Bureau seeks Php24.49 billion from Pilipinas Shell

The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs filed with justice authorities a complaint against Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. seeking Php24.49 billion (US$560.99 million) in unpaid levies and surcharges for alleged evasion of taxes on imports. Pilipinas Shell is being criminally sued for intentional misclassification and mis-declaration of its various petroleum importations between August 2005 and May 2009 to evade the payment of correct excise and value-added taxes, Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez told reporters as he filed the complaint with justice authorities. Mylene Santos, Pilipinas Shell communications manager for the downstream sector, said they have not received a copy of the complaint yet and so could not officially release any comment. (October 14, 2010)