MANILA, Nov. 21 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday heard the criminal tax evasion charges filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against contractor couple Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II and Cezarah Rowena "Sarah" Discaya involving PHP7.1 billion in alleged tax liabilities.

"The spouses Discayas submitted their counter affidavits in relation to the cases filed by BIR for violation of Sections 263, 254, and 255 of the NIRC of 1997, as amended, " DOJ spokesperson Nicollo "Polo" Martinez said to reporters on Friday.

Martinez said the parties may submit a reply affidavit on Dec. 5, and a rejoinder affidavit on Dec. 19, "after which, the case will be submitted for resolution."

The BIR filed charges against the Discayas and the...