Lucio Tan told to pay unpaid taxes
President Duterte has called on tycoon Lucio Tan to settle his unpaid taxes in 10 days or else risk the closure of a terminal used by his airline company.
The President said he turned down the campaign money offered by Tan, owner of the flag carrier Philippine Airlines, and instead told him to pay his tax liabilities to the government.
“I did not accept his money. He is a contributor. At sabihin ko na – Lucio Tan, donor of funds. Sabi ko ‘No,’” he said during the 56th anniversary of the Philippine Constitution Association at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
“You are using government buildings, airport, you have a back…utang diyan sa runway ‘di mo binabayaran. Sabi ko, ‘You solve the problem yourself. I will give you 10 days. Bayaran mo. ‘Pag hindi mo bayaran, eh ‘di sirahan ko.” Wala nang airport. So what?” he said.
The President said travelers would just have to take the land route if the terminal used by the Tan-owned airline is shut down due to non-payment of taxes.
“Kayo Pilipino have to travel overland from Luzon to Davao. ‘Basta bayaran mo, huwag mo akong bigyan ng sh*t nang ganun. I do not mind. If we sink, we sink,” he said.
Back in April, the President claimed that Tan, one of the country’s billionaires, owed the government at least ₱30 billion in unpaid taxes. He said Tan must pay his unpaid taxes to government.