MANILA - The Bureau of Internal Revenue has filed a tax evasion case against a Batangas-based small town lottery firm, the first tax case under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Batangas Enhanced Technology Systems Inc. was accused of evading P959.96 million in taxes including interest. Its past presidents Benedicto Bulatao and Rolando Montecillo and treasurer Jessie Cantos were included in the charge.

An investigation showed that the company "substantially underdeclared its correct taxable income" over nine years from 2007 to 2015.

"As a consequence of its acts and omissions, Batangas Enhanced Technology Systems Inc., together with its responsible corporate officers, was held liable to pay an estimated aggregate tax liability in the total amount of P959.96 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests," the BIR said.

The BIR under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, filed tax evasion cases every other week to compel the public to pay correct taxes.