Manny Pacquiao Bank Account Froze By Philippines Government Following Bodog Raid

The authorities in the Philippines are not just targeting online gambling firm Bodog.com and its colourful found Calvin Ayre in recent days it seems.  They also have their eyes set on another high profile figure, fighter and Congressman Manny Pacquiao.  All of this in the wake of a massive typhoon wiping out entire towns and killing several thousand.

A court in the Philippines has froze bank accounts belonging to Pacquiao over claims he owes millions of dollars in unpaid tax.

In an ironic twist, Pacquiao’s biggest fan is one former Governor Chavit Singson, for whom some in the Bodog organization claim was influential in the raid of their offices last week.  You’ll find Singson in the front row of many Pacquiao fights.

During the Bodog raid, authorities made off with thousands of dollars worth of computer equipment and Typhoon Yolanda relief aid.  Pacquiao has also had to borrow money to fulfill a commitment for Yolanda relief since he can no longer access the frozen bank accounts.  

The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue says Manny Pacquiao has not proved he paid the right level of taxes in 2008 and 2009.  But the boxer insists he paid taxes in the US during that period.  He said that a treaty between the two countries prevented the requirement for double taxation.

"I am not a criminal or a thief," Pacquiao told local reporters.

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com