RP To Pursue All Appropriate Remedies in New York Tax Case - Gaa
10 February 2008 - The Philippine Government
notes the summary judgment of the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of New York which dismissed a substantial portion of
the tax claims of the City of New York against the Philippines.
Our Government’s position has been validated that the premises used for
consular purposes, such as the restaurant that used to showcase Filipino
culture at the Philippine Center in New York, are exempt from taxation.
The Court has found tax liabilities on the portions previously used by
the Philippine National Bank which primarily served the official
transactions of the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine
Government in the United States and also on the office used by the
Philippine Airlines, a Government controlled corporation at that time,
that was officially mandated to promote tourism to the Philippines.
These findings appear inconsistent with the spirit of international law
that we expected in our customary dealings with foreign nations.
We are closely studying the Order issued by the Court and discussing
with our lawyers all appropriate means to address our remaining
concerns.