President Duterte said yesterday he is willing to settle with Might Corporation about the allegations that they faked tax stamps if the company gives P1 billion each to three hospitals in Mindanao and Manila.
This came after Mighty Corporation president Alex Wongchuking reportedly offered to pay P1.5 billion for the alleged fake tax stamps.
Duterte, in an ambush interview in Bansalan, said he is willing to settle with Mighty Corporation as long as they double their offer.
He also assured King that he will pardon him in case someone in power pursues the case, that is, if he will agree to his counter-offer.
“I will forget about the printing of P1.5 billion worth of fake stamps. I will agree to this: Pay double, I’ll forget about it,” Duterte said in Bisaya.
“He offered P1.5 billion, which is definitely unacceptable to me. There was deceit. So, he needs to give double. He should offer P3 billion,” he added.
Duterte said the R3 billion, which should be given directly to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, will be used for the hospitals in Basilan, Jolo, and Manila.
“He should give R1 billion for Basilan because I want to fix the hospital there. R1 billion for Jolo because I also want to fix the hospital there. Then in Manila, P1 billion for Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo,” he said.
“Three billion and we’re settled. Tell him,” he reiterated.
Duterte said he is making the offer since the law allows companies to settle or compromise if they fail to pay their taxes whether intentionally or unintentionally. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
