CHINA TOPIX

12/23/2024 12:50:21 am

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Pacquiao Scores Initial Victory in Philippine Tax Controversy

Manny Pacquiao

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao won a round in his long-drawn tax case against the Philippines on Thursday.

The Supreme Court granted Pacquiao's petition for him not to post a cash bond worth $75.2 million . Also, the government was not allowed to take hold of any of the Pacquiao's assets while his income tax case was being heard.

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Pacquiao is bound to have a China tour next week promote his fight against Chris Algieri in Macau in November. The WBO welterweight champion is happy with the Court's ruling.

"Let us now let the legal process take its course. For now, I am just glad I will be able to concentrate on training for my upcoming bout," he stated in a released statement.

The legal clash started with the Philippine government's preliminary assessment stating that the 35-year-old still have a total of 2.2 billion pesos from unsettled taxes in 2008 and 2009. The effort was part of President Benigno Aquino III's campaign against tax evasion to eliminate corruption.

The boxer-politician has claimed that his tax responsibilities were already settled in the United States. With the Philippines having an agreement with the United States about double taxation, Pacquiao expressed that he does not need to face taxes in his home country.

In line with this, the tax office also contends that Pacquiao's camp was not able to provide documents to to prove his settlements in the US. The office also stated that Pacquiao still have responsibilities in the Philippines even though he did pay in the United States.

Last year, the government also went on to hold many of Pacquiao's bank accounts including the funding of one of his properties in Manila.

The Court of Tax Appeals agreed to lift the restriction in April provided that he deposit a cash bond on or before August 17.

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