Tax officials in the Philippines announced Thursday they were suing boxing star Manny Pacquiao, claiming the national hero has failed to submit documents relating to his earnings to the authorities.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue said Pacquiao stands accused of contempt charges rather than charges relating to tax evasion.
Officials said Pacquiao, who also is a lawmaker in his native country, had snubbed a routine request to hand over copies of his contracts, including documents related to fights and endorsements.
BIR regional director Rozil Lozares confirmed a criminal complaint had been filed, but added: "We haven't reached to the point that he is evading taxes. We are asking him for copies of his contracts to different companies, which he has not given or has refused to give."
The BIR wants to investigate 33 tax records, including Pacquiao's annual income tax return in 2010 and his earnings from bouts with Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey, ABS-CBN reported.
Prosecutors in the southern city of Koronadal will examine whether there is sufficient evidence to take the matter to court, The Philippine Star reported.
