CHAPTER II - GENERAL P RINCIPLES

SEC. 23. General Principles of Income Taxation in the Philippines. - Except when
otherwise provided in this Code:

(A) A citizen of the Philippines residing therein is taxable on all income derived from
sources within and without the Philippines;

(B) A nonresident citizen is taxable only on income derived from sources within the
Philippines;

(C) An individual citizen of the Philippines who is working and deriving income from
abroad as an overseas contract worker is taxable only on income derived from
sources within the Philippines: Provided, That a seaman who is a citizen of the
Philippines and who receives compensation for services rendered abroad as a member
of the complement of a vessel engaged exclusively in international trade shall be
treated as an overseas contract worker;

(D) An alien individual, whether a resident or not of the Philippines, is taxable only on
income derived from sources within the Philippines;

(E) A domestic corporation is taxable on all income derived from sources within and
without the Philippines; and

(F) A foreign corporation, whether engaged or not in trade or business in the

Philippines, is taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines.

CHAPTER III - TAX ON INDIVIDUALS

SEC. 24. Income Tax Rates.

(A) Rates of Income Tax on Individual Citizen and Individual Resident Alien of the
Philippines.

(1) An income tax is hereby imposed:

(a) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code, other than income
subject to tax under Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived for each
taxable year from all sources within and without the Philippines be every
individual citizen of the Philippines residing therein;

(b) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code, other than income
subject to tax under Subsections (B), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived for each
taxable year from all sources within the Philippines by an individual citizen of the
Philippines who is residing outside of the Philippines including overseas contract
workers referred to in Subsection(C) of Section 23 hereof; and

(c) On the taxable income defined in Section 31 of this Code, other than income
subject to tax under Subsections (b), (C) and (D) of this Section, derived for each
taxable year from all sources within the Philippines by an individual alien who is a
resident of the Philippines.

The tax shall be computed in accordance with and at the rates established in the
following schedule:

Not over P10,000 5%

Over P10,000 but not over P30,000 P500+10% of the excess

over P10,000

Over P30,000 but not over P70,000 P2,500+15% of the excess

over P30,000

Over P70,000 but not over P140,000.. P8,500+20% of the excess

over P70,000

Over P140,000 but not over P250,000 P22,500+25% of the excess

over P140,000
 Over P250,000 but not over P500,000 P50,000+30% of the excess
over P250,000

Over P500,000 P125,000+34% of the excess

over P500,000 in 1998.

Provided, That effective January 1, 1999, the top marginal rate shall be thirty-
three percent (33%) and effective January 1, 2000, the said rate shall be thirty-
two percent (32%).

For married individuals, the husband and wife, subject to the provision of Section
51 (D) hereof, shall compute separately their individual income tax based on their
respective total taxable income: Provided, That if any income cannot be
definitely attributed to or identified as income exclusively earned or realized by
either of the spouses, the same shall be divided equally between the spouses for
the purpose of determining their respective taxable income.

(B) Rate of Tax on Certain Passive Income.

(1) Interests, Royalties, Prizes, and Other Winnings. - A final tax at the rate of
twenty percent (20%) is hereby imposed upon the amount of interest from any
currency bank deposit and yield or any other monetary benefit from deposit
substitutes and from trust funds and similar arrangements; royalties, except on
books, as well as other literary works and musical compositions, which shall be
imposed a final tax of ten percent (10%); prizes (except prizes amounting to Ten
thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be subject to tax under Subsection
(A) of Section 24; and other winnings (except Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and
Lotto winnings), derived from sources within the Philippines: Provided, however,
That interest income received by an individual taxpayer (except a nonresident
individual) from a depository bank under the expanded foreign currency deposit
system shall be subject to a final income tax at the rate of seven and one-half
percent (7 1/2%) of such interest income: Provided, further, That interest income
from long-term deposit or investment in the form of savings, common or
individual trust funds, deposit substitutes, investment management accounts and
other investments evidenced by certificates in such form prescribed by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shall be exempt from the tax imposed under
this Subsection: Provided, finally, That should the holder of the certificate pre-
terminate the deposit or investment before the fifth (5th) year, a final tax shall be
imposed on the entire income and shall be deducted and withheld by the
depository bank from the proceeds of the long-term deposit or investment
certificate based on the remaining maturity thereof:
 Four (4) years to less than five (5) years - 5%;

Three (3) years to less than (4) years - 12%; and

Less than three (3) years - 20%

(2) Cash and/or Property Dividends - A final tax at the following rates shall be
imposed upon the cash and/or property dividends actually or constructively
received by an individual from a domestic corporation or from a joint stock
company, insurance or mutual fund companies and regional operating
headquarters of multinational companies, or on the share of an individual in the
distributable net income after tax of a partnership (except a general professional
partnership) of which he is a partner, or on the share of an individual in the net
income after tax of an association, a joint account, or a joint venture or
consortium taxable as a corporation of which he is a member or co-venturer:

Six percent (6%) beginning January 1, 1998;

Eight percent (8%) beginning January 1, 1999;

Ten percent (10% beginning January 1, 2000.

Provided, however, That the tax on dividends shall apply only on income earned
on or after January 1, 1998. Income forming part of retained earnings as of
December 31, 1997 shall not, even if declared or distributed on or after January 1,
1998, be subject to this tax.

(C) Capital Gains from Sale of Shares of Stock not Traded in the Stock Exchange. - The
provisions of Section 39(B) notwithstanding, a final tax at the rates prescribed below is
hereby imposed upon the net capital gains realized during the taxable year from the
sale, barter, exchange or other disposition of shares of stock in a domestic corporation,
except shares sold, or disposed of through the stock exchange.

Not over P100,000.. 5%

On any amount in excess of P100,000 10%

(D) Capital Gains from Sale of Real Property. -

 (1) In General. - The provisions of Section 39(B) notwithstanding, a final tax of six
percent (6%) based on the gross selling price or current fair market value as
determined in accordance with Section 6(E) of this Code, whichever is higher, is
hereby imposed upon capital gains presumed to have been realized from the
sale, exchange, or other disposition of real property located in the Philippines,
classified as capital assets, including pacto de retro sales and other forms of
conditional sales, by individuals, including estates and trusts: Provided, That the
tax liability, if any, on gains from sales or other dispositions of real property to the
government or any of its political subdivisions or agencies or to government-
owned or controlled corporations shall be determined either under Section 24 (A)
or under this Subsection, at the option of the taxpayer.

(2) Exception. - The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Subsection to the contrary
notwithstanding, capital gains presumed to have been realized from the sale or
disposition of their principal residence by natural persons, the proceeds of which
is fully utilized in acquiring or constructing a new principal residence within
eighteen (18) calendar months from the date of sale or disposition, shall be
exempt from the capital gains tax imposed under this Subsection: Provided, That
the historical cost or adjusted basis of the real property sold or disposed shall be
carried over to the new principal residence built or acquired: Provided, further,
That the Commissioner shall have been duly notified by the taxpayer within thirty
(30) days from the date of sale or disposition through a prescribed return of his
intention to avail of the tax exemption herein mentioned: Provided, still further,
That the said tax exemption can only be availed of once every ten (10) years:
Provided, finally, that if there is no full utilization of the proceeds of sale or
disposition, the portion of the gain presumed to have been realized from the sale
or disposition shall be subject to capital gains tax. For this purpose, the gross
selling price or fair market value at the time of sale, whichever is higher, shall be
multiplied by a fraction which the unutilized amount bears to the gross selling
price in order to determine the taxable portion and the tax prescribed under
paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall be imposed thereon.

SEC. 25. Tax on Nonresident Alien Individual. -

(A) Nonresident Alien Engaged in trade or Business Within the Philippines. -

(1) In General. - A nonresident alien individual engaged in trade or business in the

Philippines shall be subject to an income tax in the same manner as an individual
citizen and a resident alien individual, on taxable income received from all
sources within the Philippines. A nonresident alien individual who shall come to
the Philippines and stay therein for an aggregate period of more than one
hundred eighty (180) days during any calendar year shall be deemed a
'nonresident alien doing business in the Philippines'. Section 22 (G) of this Code
notwithstanding.

(2) Cash and/or Property Dividends from a Domestic Corporation or Joint Stock
Company, or Insurance or Mutual Fund Company or Regional Operating
Headquarter or Multinational Company, or Share in the Distributable Net Income
of a Partnership (Except a General Professional Partnership), Joint Account, Joint
Venture Taxable as a Corporation or Association., Interests, Royalties, Prizes, and
Other Winnings. - Cash and/or property dividends from a domestic corporation,
or from a joint stock company, or from an insurance or mutual fund company or
from a regional operating headquarter of multinational company, or the share of
a nonresident alien individual in the distributable net income after tax of a
partnership (except a general professional partnership) of which he is a partner,
or the share of a nonresident alien individual in the net income after tax of an
association, a joint account, or a joint venture taxable as a corporation of which
he is a member or a co-venturer; interests; royalties (in any form); and prizes
(except prizes amounting to Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) or less which shall be
subject to tax under Subsection (B)(1) of Section 24) and other winnings (except
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and Lotto winnings); shall be subject to an
income tax of twenty percent (20%) on the total amount thereof: Provided,
however, that royalties on books as well as other literary works, and royalties on
musical compositions shall be subject to a final tax of ten percent (10%) on the
total amount thereof: Provided, further, That cinematographic films and similar
works shall be subject to the tax provided under Section 28 of this Code:
Provided, furthermore, That interest income from long-term deposit or
investment in the form of savings, common or individual trust funds, deposit
substitutes, investment management accounts and other investments evidenced
by certificates in such form prescribed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
shall be exempt from the tax imposed under this Subsection: Provided, finally,
that should the holder of the certificate pre-terminate the deposit or investment
before the fifth (5th) year, a final tax shall be imposed on the entire income and
shall be deducted and withheld by the depository bank from the proceeds of the
long-term deposit or investment certificate based on the remaining maturity
thereof:

Four (4) years to less than five (5) years - 5%;

Three (3) years to less than four (4) years - 12%; and

Less than three (3) years - 20%.

(3) Capital Gains. - Capital gains realized from sale, barter or exchange of shares
 of stock in domestic corporations not traded through the local stock exchange,
and real properties shall be subject to the tax prescribed under Subsections (C)
and (D) of Section 24.

(B) Nonresident Alien Individual Not Engaged in Trade or Business Within the
Philippines. - There shall be levied, collected and paid for each taxable year upon the
entire income received from all sources within the Philippines by every nonresident
alien individual not engaged in trade or business within the Philippines as interest, cash
and/or property dividends, rents, salaries, wages, premiums, annuities, compensation,
remuneration, emoluments, or other fixed or determinable annual or periodic or casual
gains, profits, and income, and capital gains, a tax equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of
such income. Capital gains realized by a nonresident alien individual not engaged in
trade or business in the Philippines from the sale of shares of stock in any domestic
corporation and real property shall be subject to the income tax prescribed under
Subsections (C) and (D) of Section 24.

(C) Alien Individual Employed by Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional

Operating Headquarters of Multinational Companies. - There shall be levied, collected
and paid for each taxable year upon the gross income received by every alien individual
employed by regional or area headquarters and regional operating headquarters
established in the Philippines by multinational companies as salaries, wages, annuities,
compensation, remuneration and other emoluments, such as honoraria and
allowances, from such regional or area headquarters and regional operating
headquarters, a tax equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such gross income: Provided,
however, That the same tax treatment shall apply to Filipinos employed and occupying
the same position as those of aliens employed by these multinational companies. For
purposes of this Chapter, the term 'multinational company' means a foreign firm or
entity engaged in international trade with affiliates or subsidiaries or branch offices in
the Asia-Pacific Region and other foreign markets.

(D) Alien Individual Employed by Offshore Banking Units. - There shall be levied,
collected and paid for each taxable year upon the gross income received by every alien
individual employed by offshore banking units established in the Philippines as salaries,
wages, annuities, compensation, remuneration and other emoluments, such as
honoraria and allowances, from such off-shore banking units, a tax equal to fifteen
percent (15%) of such gross income: Provided, however, That the same tax treatment
shall apply to Filipinos employed and occupying the same positions as those of aliens
employed by these offshore banking units.

(E) Alien Individual Employed by Petroleum Service Contractor and Subcontractor. - An

Alien individual who is a permanent resident of a foreign country but who is employed
and assigned in the Philippines by a foreign service contractor or by a foreign service
subcontractor engaged in petroleum operations in the Philippines shall be liable to a tax
of fifteen percent (15%) of the salaries, wages, annuities, compensation, remuneration
and other emoluments, such as honoraria and allowances, received from such
contractor or subcontractor: Provided, however, That the same tax treatment shall
apply to a Filipino employed and occupying the same position as an alien employed by
petroleum service contractor and subcontractor.

Any income earned from all other sources within the Philippines by the alien employees
referred to under Subsections (C), (D) and (E) hereof shall be subject to the pertinent
income tax, as the case may be, imposed under this Code.

SEC. 26. Tax Liability of Members of General Professional Partnerships. - A general

professional partnership as such shall not be subject to the income tax imposed under
this Chapter. Persons engaging in business as partners in a general professional
partnership shall be liable for income tax only in their separate and individual
capacities.

For purposes of computing the distributive share of the partners, the net income of the
partnership shall be computed in the same manner as a corporation.

Each partner shall report as gross income his distributive share, actually or
constructively received, in the net income of the partnership.

SEC. 39. Capital Gains and Losses. -

(A) Definitions.chanrobles virtual law library - As used in this Title -

(1) Capital Assets. - The term "capital assets" means property held by the taxpayer
(whether or not connected with his trade or business), but does not include stock in
trade of the taxpayer or other property of a kind which would properly be included in
the inventory of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the taxable year, or property
held by the taxpayer primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of his trade
or business, or property used in the trade or business, of a character which is subject to
the allowance for depreciation provided in Subsection (F) of Section 34; or real property
used in trade or business of the taxpayer.
(2) Net Capital Gain. - The term "net capital gain" means the excess of the gains from
sales or exchanges of capital assets over the losses from such sales or exchanges.
(3) Net Capital Loss. - The term "net capital loss" means the excess of the losses from
sales or exchanges of capital assets over the gains from such sales or exchanges.
(B) Percentage Taken Into Account. - In the case of a taxpayer, other than a
corporation, only the following percentages of the gain or loss recognized upon the sale
or exchange of a capital asset shall be taken into account in computing net capital gain,
net capital loss, and net income: (1) One hundred percent (100%) if the capital asset has
been held for not more than twelve (12) months; and (2) Fifty percent (50%) if the
capital asset has been held for more than twelve (12) months;(C) Limitation on Capital
Losses. - Losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets shall be allowed only to the
extent of the gains from such sales or exchanges.
If a bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the Philippines, a substantial
part of whose business is the receipt of deposits, sells any bond, debenture, note, or
certificate or other evidence of indebtedness issued by any corporation (including one
issued by a government or political subdivision thereof), with interest coupons or in
registered form, any loss resulting from such sale shall not be subject to the foregoing
limitation and shall not be included in determining the applicability of such limitation to
other losses.
(D) Net Capital Loss Carry-over. - If any taxpayer, other than a corporation, sustains in
any taxable year a net capital loss, such loss (in an amount not in excess of the net
income for such year) shall be treated in the succeeding taxable year as a loss from the
sale or exchange of a capital asset held for not more than twelve (12) months.
(E) Retirement of Bonds, Etc. - For purposes of this Title, amounts received by the
holder upon the retirement of bonds, debentures, notes or certificates or other
evidences of indebtedness issued by any corporation (including those issued by a
government or political subdivision thereof) with interest coupons or in registered
form, shall be considered as amounts received in exchange therefor. cralaw
(F) Gains or Losses From Short Sales, Etc. - For purposes of this Title -
(1) Gains or losses from short sales of property shall be considered as gains or losses
from sales or exchanges of capital assets; and (2) Gains or losses attributable to the
failure to exercise privileges or options to buy or sell property shall be considered as
capital gains or losses.

SEC. 42. Income from Sources Within the Philippines. -

(A) Gross Income From Sources Within the Philippines. - The following items of gross
income shall be treated as gross income from sources within the Philippines:
(1) Interests. - Interests derived from sources within the Philippines, and interests on
bonds, notes or other interest-bearing obligation of residents, corporate or otherwise;
(2) Dividends. - The amount received as dividends:.
(a) from a domestic corporation; and
(b) from a foreign corporation, unless less than fifty percent (50%) of the gross income
of such foreign corporation for the three-year period ending with the close of its taxable
year preceding the declaration of such dividends or for such part of such period as the
corporation has been in existence) was derived from sources within the Philippines as
determined under the provisions of this Section; but only in an amount which bears the
same ration to such dividends as the gross income of the corporation for such period
derived from sources within the Philippines bears to its gross income from all sources.
(3) Services.chanrobles virtual law library - Compensation for labor or personal
services performed in the Philippines; (4) Rentals and Royalties. - Rentals and royalties
from property located in the Philippines or from any interest in such property, including
rentals or royalties for - (a) The use of or the right or privilege to use in the Philippines
any copyright, patent, design or model, plan, secret formula or process, goodwill,
trademark, trade brand or other like property or right; (b) The use of, or the right to use
in the Philippines any industrial, commercial or scientific equipment; (c) The supply of
scientific, technical, industrial or commercial knowledge or information; (d) The supply
of any assistance that is ancillary and subsidiary to, and is furnished as a means of
enabling the application or enjoyment of, any such property or right as is mentioned in
paragraph (a), any such equipment as is mentioned in paragraph (b) or any such
knowledge or information as is mentioned in paragraph (c); (e) The supply of services
by a nonresident person or his employee in connection with the use of property or
rights belonging to, or the installation or operation of any brand, machinery or other
apparatus purchased from such nonresident person; (f) Technical advice, assistance or
services rendered in connection with technical management or administration of any
scientific, industrial or commercial undertaking, venture, project or scheme; and (g) The
use of or the right to use: (i) Motion picture films; (ii) Films or video tapes for use in
connection with television; and (iii) Tapes for use in connection with radio
broadcasting.
(5) Sale of Real Property.chanrobles virtual law library - Gains, profits and income
from the sale of real property located in the Philippines; and
(6) Sale of Personal Property. chanrobles virtual law library - Gains; profits and
income from the sale of personal property, as determined in Subsection (E) of this
Section.
(B) Taxable Income From Sources Within the Philippines. - (1) General Rule. - From
the items of gross income specified in Subsection (A) of this Section, there shall be
deducted the expenses, losses and other deductions properly allocated thereto and a
ratable part of expenses, interests, losses and other deductions effectively connected
with the business or trade conducted exclusively within the Philippines which cannot
definitely be allocated to some items or class of gross income: Provided, That such
items of deductions shall be allowed only if fully substantiated by all the information
necessary for its calculation.
The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as taxable income from sources within the
Philippines.
(2) Exception. - No deductions for interest paid or incurred abroad shall be allowed from
the item of gross income specified in subsection (A) unless indebtedness was actually
incurred to provide funds for use in connection with the conduct or operation of trade
or business in the Philippines.
(C) Gross Income From Sources Without the Philippines. - The following items of gross
income shall be treated as income from sources without the Philippines: (1) Interests
other than those derived from sources within the Philippines as provided in paragraph
(1) of Subsection (A) of this Section; (2) Dividends other than those derived from
sources within the Philippines as provided in paragraph (2) of Subsection (A) of this
Section; (3) Compensation for labor or personal services performed without the
Philippines; (4) Rentals or royalties from property located without the Philippines or
from any interest in such property including rentals or royalties for the use of or for the
privilege of using without the Philippines, patents, copyrights, secret processes and
formulas, goodwill, trademarks, trade brands, franchises and other like properties; and
(5) Gains, profits and income from the sale of real property located without the
Philippines.
(D) Taxable Income From Sources Without the Philippines. - From the items of gross
income specified in Subsection (C) of this Section there shall be deducted the expenses,
losses, and other deductions properly apportioned or allocated thereto and a ratable
part of any expense, loss or other deduction which cannot definitely be allocated to
some items or classes of gross income.
The remainder, if any, shall be treated in full as taxable income from sources without
the Philippines.

(E) Income From Sources Partly Within and Partly Without the Philippines. - Items of
gross income, expenses, losses and deductions, other than those specified in
Subsections (A) and (C) of this Section, shall be allocated or apportioned to sources
within or without the Philippines, under the rules and regulations prescribed by the
Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner.
Where items of gross income are separately allocated to sources within the Philippines,
there shall be deducted (for the purpose of computing the taxable income therefrom)
the expenses, losses and other deductions properly apportioned or allocated thereto
and a ratable part of other expenses, losses or other deductions which cannot definitely
be allocated to some items or classes of gross income.
The remainder, if any, shall be included in full as taxable income from sources within
the Philippines.
In the case of gross income derived from sources partly within and partly without the
Philippines, the taxable income may first be computed by deducting the expenses,
losses or other deductions apportioned or allocated thereto and a ratable part of any
expense, loss or other deduction which cannot definitely be allocated to some items or
classes of gross income; and the portion of such taxable income attributable to sources
within the Philippines may be determined by processes or formulas of general
apportionment prescribed by the Secretary of Finance.
Gains, profits and income from the sale of personal property produced (in whole or in
part) by the taxpayer within and sold without the Philippines, or produced (in whole or
in part) by the taxpayer without and sold within the Philippines, shall be treated as
derived partly from sources within and partly from sources without the Philippines.
cralaw
Gains, profits and income derived from the purchase of personal property within and its
sale without the Philippines, or from the purchase of personal property without and its
sale within the Philippines shall be treated as derived entirely form sources within the
country in which sold: Provided, however, That gain from the sale of shares of stock in a
domestic corporation shall be treated as derived entirely form sources within the
Philippines regardless of where the said shares are sold.
The transfer by a nonresident alien or a foreign corporation to anyone of any share of
stock issued by a domestic corporation shall not be effected or made in its book unless:
(1) the transferor has filed with the Commissioner a bond conditioned upon the future
payment by him of any income tax that may be due on the gains derived from such
transfer, or (2) the Commissioner has certified that the taxes, if any, imposed in this
Title and due on the gain realized from such sale or transfer have been paid.
It shall be the duty of the transferor and the corporation the shares of which are sold or
transferred, to advise the transferee of this requirement.
(F) Definitions. - As used in this Section the words "sale" or "sold" include "exchange" or
"exchanged"; and the word "produced" includes "created", "fabricated", "manufactured",
"extracted", "processed", "cured" or "aged".

G.R. No. L-53961 June 30, 1987

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, petitioner, vs.COMMISSIONER OF
INTERNAL REVENUE, respondent.

CRUZ, J.:
We are asked to reverse the decision of the Court of Tax Appeals on the ground that
it is erroneous. We have carefully studied it and find it is not; on the contrary, it is
supported by law and doctrine. So finding, we affirm.
Reduced to simplest terms, the background facts are as follows.
The national Development Company entered into contracts in Tokyo with several
Japanese shipbuilding companies for the construction of twelve ocean-going vessels.
1 The purchase price was to come from the proceeds of bonds issued by the Central
Bank. 2 Initial payments were made in cash and through irrevocable letters of credit.
3 Fourteen promissory notes were signed for the balance by the NDC and, as

required by the shipbuilders, guaranteed by the Republic of the Philippines. 4

Pursuant thereto, the remaining payments and the interests thereon were remitted
in due time by the NDC to Tokyo. The vessels were eventually completed and
delivered to the NDC in Tokyo. 5
The NDC remitted to the shipbuilders in Tokyo the total amount of US$4,066,580.70
as interest on the balance of the purchase price. No tax was withheld. The
Commissioner then held the NDC liable on such tax in the total sum of
P5,115,234.74. Negotiations followed but failed. The BIR thereupon served on the
NDC a warrant of distraint and levy to enforce collection of the claimed amount. 6
The NDC went to the Court of Tax Appeals.
The BIR was sustained by the CTA except for a slight reduction of the tax deficiency
in the sum of P900.00, representing the compromise penalty. 7 The NDC then came
to this Court in a petition for certiorari.
The petition must fail for the following reasons.
The Japanese shipbuilders were liable to tax on the interest remitted to them under
Section 37 of the Tax Code, thus:
SEC. 37. Income from sources within the Philippines. (a) Gross income from
sources within the Philippines. The following items of gross income shall be
treated as gross income from sources within the Philippines:
(1) Interest. Interest derived from sources within the Philippines, and interest on
bonds, notes, or other interest-bearing obligations of residents, corporate or
otherwise;
xxx xxx xxx
The petitioner argues that the Japanese shipbuilders were not subject to tax under
the above provision because all the related activities the signing of the contract,
the construction of the vessels, the payment of the stipulated price, and their
delivery to the NDC were done in Tokyo. 8 The law, however, does not speak of
activity but of "source," which in this case is the NDC. This is a domestic and resident
corporation with principal offices in Manila.
As the Tax Court put it:
It is quite apparent, under the terms of the law, that the Government's right to levy
and collect income tax on interest received by foreign corporations not engaged in
trade or business within the Philippines is not planted upon the condition that 'the
activity or labor and the sale from which the (interest) income flowed had its
situs' in the Philippines. The law specifies: 'Interest derived from sources within the
Philippines, and interest on bonds, notes, or other interest-bearing obligations of
residents, corporate or otherwise.' Nothing there speaks of the 'act or activity' of
non-resident corporations in the Philippines, or place where the contract is signed.
The residence of the obligor who pays the interest rather than the physical location
of the securities, bonds or notes or the place of payment, is the determining factor of
the source of interest income. (Mertens, Law of Federal Income Taxation, Vol. 8, p.
128, citing A.C. Monk & Co. Inc. 10 T.C. 77; Sumitomo Bank, Ltd., 19 BTA 480; Estate
of L.E. Mckinnon, 6 BTA 412; Standard Marine Ins. Co., Ltd., 4 BTA 853; Marine Ins.
Co., Ltd., 4 BTA 867.) Accordingly, if the obligor is a resident of the Philippines the
interest payment paid by him can have no other source than within the Philippines.
The interest is paid not by the bond, note or other interest-bearing obligations, but
by the obligor. (See mertens, Id., Vol. 8, p. 124.)
Here in the case at bar, petitioner National Development Company, a corporation
duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with
address and principal office at Calle Pureza, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
unconditionally promised to pay the Japanese shipbuilders, as obligor in fourteen
(14) promissory notes for each vessel, the balance of the contract price of the twelve
(12) ocean-going vessels purchased and acquired by it from the Japanese
corporations, including the interest on the principal sum at the rate of five per cent
(5%) per annum. (See Exhs. "D", D-1" to "D-13", pp. 100-113, CTA Records; par. 11,
Partial Stipulation of Facts.) And pursuant to the terms and conditions of these
promisory notes, which are duly signed by its Vice Chairman and General Manager,
petitioner remitted to the Japanese shipbuilders in Japan during the years 1960,
1961, and 1962 the sum of $830,613.17, $1,654,936.52 and $1,541.031.00,
respectively, as interest on the unpaid balance of the purchase price of the aforesaid
vessels. (pars. 13, 14, & 15, Partial Stipulation of Facts.)
The law is clear. Our plain duty is to apply it as written. The residence of the obligor
which paid the interest under consideration, petitioner herein, is Calle Pureza, Sta.
Mesa, Manila, Philippines; and as a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the Philippines, it is a domestic corporation, resident of the Philippines.
(Sec. 84(c), National Internal Revenue Code.) The interest paid by petitioner, which
is admittedly a resident of the Philippines, is on the promissory notes issued by it.
Clearly, therefore, the interest remitted to the Japanese shipbuilders in Japan in
1960, 1961 and 1962 on the unpaid balance of the purchase price of the vessels
acquired by petitioner is interest derived from sources within the Philippines
subject to income tax under the then Section 24(b)(1) of the National Internal
Revenue Code. 9
There is no basis for saying that the interest payments were obligations of the
Republic of the Philippines and that the promissory notes of the NDC were
government securities exempt from taxation under Section 29(b)[4] of the Tax
Code, reading as follows:
SEC. 29. Gross Income. xxxx xxx xxx xxx
(b) Exclusion from gross income. The following items shall not be included in
gross income and shall be exempt from taxation under this Title:
xxx xxx xxx
(4) Interest on Government Securities. Interest upon the obligations of the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any political subdivision thereof,
but in the case of such obligations issued after approval of this Code, only to the extent
provided in the act authorizing the issue thereof. (As amended by Section 6, R.A. No.
82; emphasis supplied)
The law invoked by the petitioner as authorizing the issuance of securities is R.A.
No. 1407, which in fact is silent on this matter. C.A. No. 182 as amended by C.A. No.
311 does carry such authorization but, like R.A. No. 1407, does not exempt from
taxes the interests on such securities.
It is also incorrect to suggest that the Republic of the Philippines could not collect
taxes on the interest remitted because of the undertaking signed by the Secretary of
Finance in each of the promissory notes that:
Upon authority of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, the undersigned,
for value received, hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantee (sic), on behalf
of the Republic of the Philippines, the due and punctual payment of both principal
and interest of the above note. 10
There is nothing in the above undertaking exempting the interests from taxes.
Petitioner has not established a clear waiver therein of the right to tax interests. Tax
exemptions cannot be merely implied but must be categorically and unmistakably
expressed. 11 Any doubt concerning this question must be resolved in favor of the
taxing power. 12
Nowhere in the said undertaking do we find any inhibition against the collection of
the disputed taxes. In fact, such undertaking was made by the government in
consonance with and certainly not against the following provisions of the Tax Code:
Sec. 53(b). Nonresident aliens. All persons, corporations and general co-
partnership (companies colectivas), in whatever capacity acting, including lessees
or mortgagors of real or personal capacity, executors, administrators, receivers,
conservators, fiduciaries, employers, and all officers and employees of the
Government of the Philippines having control, receipt, custody; disposal or payment
of interest, dividends, rents, salaries, wages, premiums, annuities, compensations,
remunerations, emoluments, or other fixed or determinable annual or categorical
gains, profits and income of any nonresident alien individual, not engaged in trade
or business within the Philippines and not having any office or place of business
therein, shall (except in the cases provided for in subsection (a) of this section)
deduct and withhold from such annual or periodical gains, profits and income a tax
to twenty (now 30%) per centum thereof: ...
Sec. 54. Payment of corporation income tax at source. In the case of foreign
corporations subject to taxation under this Title not engaged in trade or business
within the Philippines and not having any office or place of business therein, there
shall be deducted and withheld at the source in the same manner and upon the same
items as is provided in section fifty-three a tax equal to thirty (now 35%) per centum
thereof, and such tax shall be returned and paid in the same manner and subject to
the same conditions as provided in that section:....
Manifestly, the said undertaking of the Republic of the Philippines merely
guaranteed the obligations of the NDC but without diminution of its taxing power
under existing laws.
In suggesting that the NDC is merely an administrator of the funds of the Republic of
the Philippines, the petitioner closes its eyes to the nature of this entity as a
corporation. As such, it is governed in its proprietary activities not only by its
charter but also by the Corporation Code and other pertinent laws.
The petitioner also forgets that it is not the NDC that is being taxed. The tax was due
on the interests earned by the Japanese shipbuilders. It was the income of these
companies and not the Republic of the Philippines that was subject to the tax the
NDC did not withhold.
In effect, therefore, the imposition of the deficiency taxes on the NDC is a penalty for
its failure to withhold the same from the Japanese shipbuilders. Such liability is
imposed by Section 53(c) of the Tax Code, thus:
Section 53(c). Return and Payment. Every person required to deduct and
withhold any tax under this section shall make return thereof, in duplicate, on or
before the fifteenth day of April of each year, and, on or before the time fixed by law
for the payment of the tax, shall pay the amount withheld to the officer of the
Government of the Philippines authorized to receive it. Every such person is made
personally liable for such tax, and is indemnified against the claims and demands of
any person for the amount of any payments made in accordance with the provisions
of this section. (As amended by Section 9, R.A. No. 2343.)
In Philippine Guaranty Co. v. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue and the Court of
Tax Appeals, 13 the Court quoted with approval the following regulation of the BIR
on the responsibilities of withholding agents:
In case of doubt, a withholding agent may always protect himself by withholding the
tax due, and promptly causing a query to be addressed to the Commissioner of
Internal Revenue for the determination whether or not the income paid to an
individual is not subject to withholding. In case the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue decides that the income paid to an individual is not subject to withholding,
the withholding agent may thereupon remit the amount of a tax withheld. (2nd par.,
Sec. 200, Income Tax Regulations).
"Strict observance of said steps is required of a withholding agent before he could
be released from liability," so said Justice Jose P. Bengson, who wrote the decision.
"Generally, the law frowns upon exemption from taxation; hence, an exempting
provision should be construed strictissimi juris." 14
The petitioner was remiss in the discharge of its obligation as the withholding agent
of the government an so should be held liable for its omission.
WHEREFORE, the appealed decision is AFFIRMED, without any pronouncement as
to costs. It is so ordered.
Teehankee, C.J., Yap, Fernan, Narvasa, Melencio-Herrera, Gutierrez, Jr., Paras,
Feliciano, Gancayno, Padilla, Bidin, Sarmiento and Cortez, JJ., concur

G.R. No. L-26284 October 8, 1986

TOMAS CALASANZ, ET AL., petitioners, vs.THE COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL
REVENUE and the COURT OF TAX APPEALS, respondents.
San Juan, Africa, Gonzales & San Agustin Law Office for petitioners.

FERNAN, J.:
Appeal taken by Spouses Tomas and Ursula Calasanz from the decision of the Court
of Tax Appeals in CTA No. 1275 dated June 7, 1966, holding them liable for the
payment of P3,561.24 as deficiency income tax and interest for the calendar year
1957 and P150.00 as real estate dealer's fixed tax.

Petitioner Ursula Calasanz inherited from her father Mariano de Torres an

agricultural land located in Cainta, Rizal, containing a total area of 1,678,000 square
meters. In order to liquidate her inheritance, Ursula Calasanz had the land surveyed
and subdivided into lots. Improvements, such as good roads, concrete gutters,
drainage and lighting system, were introduced to make the lots saleable. Soon after,
the lots were sold to the public at a profit.
In their joint income tax return for the year 1957 filed with the Bureau of Internal
Revenue on March 31, 1958, petitioners disclosed a profit of P31,060.06 realized
from the sale of the subdivided lots, and reported fifty per centum thereof or
P15,530.03 as taxable capital gains.
Upon an audit and review of the return thus filed, the Revenue Examiner adjudged
petitioners engaged in business as real estate dealers, as defined in Section 194 [s] 1
of the National Internal Revenue Code, required them to pay the real estate dealer's
tax 2 and assessed a deficiency income tax on profits derived from the sale of the lots
based on the rates for ordinary income.
On September 29, 1962, petitioners received from respondent Commissioner of
Internal Revenue:
a. Demand No. 90-B-032293-57 in the amount of P160.00 representing real estate
dealer's fixed tax of P150.00 and P10.00 compromise penalty for late payment; and
b. Assessment No. 90-5-35699 in the amount of P3,561.24 as deficiency income tax
on ordinary gain of P3,018.00 plus interest of P 543.24.
On October 17, 1962, petitioners filed with the Court of Tax Appeals a petition for
review contesting the aforementioned assessments.
On June 7, 1966, the Tax Court upheld the respondent Commissioner except for that
portion of the assessment regarding the compromise penalty of P10.00 for the
reason that in this jurisdiction, the same cannot be collected in the absence of a valid
and binding compromise agreement.
Hence, the present appeal.
The issues for consideration are:
a. Whether or not petitioners are real estate dealers liable for real estate dealer's
fixed tax; and
b. Whether the gains realized from the sale of the lots are taxable in full as ordinary
income or capital gains taxable at capital gain rates.
The issues are closely interrelated and will be taken jointly.
Petitioners assail their liabilities as "real estate dealers" and seek to bring the profits
from the sale of the lots under Section 34 [b] [2] 3 of the Tax Code.
The theory advanced by the petitioners is that inherited land is a capital asset within
the meaning of Section 34[a] [1] of the Tax Code and that an heir who liquidated his
inheritance cannot be said to have engaged in the real estate business and may not
be denied the preferential tax treatment given to gains from sale of capital assets,
merely because he disposed of it in the only possible and advantageous way.
Petitioners averred that the tract of land subject of the controversy was sold
because of their intention to effect a liquidation. They claimed that it was parcelled
out into smaller lots because its size proved difficult, if not impossible, of disposition
in one single transaction. They pointed out that once subdivided, certainly, the lots
cannot be sold in one isolated transaction. Petitioners, however, admitted that roads
and other improvements were introduced to facilitate its sale. 4
On the other hand, respondent Commissioner maintained that the imposition of the
taxes in question is in accordance with law since petitioners are deemed to be in the
real estate business for having been involved in a series of real estate transactions
pursued for profit. Respondent argued that property acquired by inheritance may
be converted from an investment property to a business property if, as in the
present case, it was subdivided, improved, and subsequently sold and the number,
continuity and frequency of the sales were such as to constitute "doing business."
Respondent likewise contended that inherited property is by itself neutral and the
fact that the ultimate purpose is to liquidate is of no moment for the important
inquiry is what the taxpayer did with the property. Respondent concluded that since
the lots are ordinary assets, the profits realized therefrom are ordinary gains, hence
taxable in full.
We agree with the respondent.
The assets of a taxpayer are classified for income tax purposes into ordinary assets
and capital assets. Section 34[a] [1] of the National Internal Revenue Code broadly
defines capital assets as follows:
[1] Capital assets.-The term 'capital assets' means property held by the taxpayer
[whether or not connected with his trade or business], but does not include, stock in
trade of the taxpayer or other property of a kind which would properly be included,
in the inventory of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the taxable year, or
property held by the taxpayer primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course
of his trade or business, or property used in the trade or business of a character
which is subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in subsection [f] of
section thirty; or real property used in the trade or business of the taxpayer.
The statutory definition of capital assets is negative in nature. 5 If the asset is not
among the exceptions, it is a capital asset; conversely, assets falling within the
exceptions are ordinary assets. And necessarily, any gain resulting from the sale or
exchange of an asset is a capital gain or an ordinary gain depending on the kind of
asset involved in the transaction.
However, there is no rigid rule or fixed formula by which it can be determined with
finality whether property sold by a taxpayer was held primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of his trade or business or whether it was sold as a
capital asset. 6 Although several factors or indices 7 have been recognized as helpful
guides in making a determination, none of these is decisive; neither is the presence
nor the absence of these factors conclusive. Each case must in the last analysis rest
upon its own peculiar facts and circumstances. 8
Also a property initially classified as a capital asset may thereafter be treated as an
ordinary asset if a combination of the factors indubitably tend to show that the
activity was in furtherance of or in the course of the taxpayer's trade or business.
Thus, a sale of inherited real property usually gives capital gain or loss even though
the property has to be subdivided or improved or both to make it salable. However,
if the inherited property is substantially improved or very actively sold or both it
may be treated as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the
heir's business. 9
Upon an examination of the facts on record, We are convinced that the activities of
petitioners are indistinguishable from those invariably employed by one engaged in
the business of selling real estate.
One strong factor against petitioners' contention is the business element of
development which is very much in evidence. Petitioners did not sell the land in the
condition in which they acquired it. While the land was originally devoted to rice
and fruit trees, 10 it was subdivided into small lots and in the process converted into
a residential subdivision and given the name Don Mariano Subdivision. Extensive
improvements like the laying out of streets, construction of concrete gutters and
installation of lighting system and drainage facilities, among others, were
undertaken to enhance the value of the lots and make them more attractive to
prospective buyers. The audited financial statements 11 submitted together with the
tax return in question disclosed that a considerable amount was expended to cover
the cost of improvements. As a matter of fact, the estimated improvements of the
lots sold reached P170,028.60 whereas the cost of the land is only P 4,742.66. There
is authority that a property ceases to be a capital asset if the amount expended to
improve it is double its original cost, for the extensive improvement indicates that
the seller held the property primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
his business. 12
Another distinctive feature of the real estate business discernible from the records
is the existence of contracts receivables, which stood at P395,693.35 as of the year
ended December 31, 1957. The sizable amount of receivables in comparison with
the sales volume of P446,407.00 during the same period signifies that the lots were
sold on installment basis and suggests the number, continuity and frequency of the
sales. Also of significance is the circumstance that the lots were advertised 13 for sale
to the public and that sales and collection commissions were paid out during the
period in question.
Petitioners, likewise, urge that the lots were sold solely for the purpose of
liquidation.
In Ehrman vs. Commissioner, 14 the American court in clear and categorical terms
rejected the liquidation test in determining whether or not a taxpayer is carrying on
a trade or business The court observed that the fact that property is sold for
purposes of liquidation does not foreclose a determination that a "trade or business"
is being conducted by the seller. The court enunciated further:
We fail to see that the reasons behind a person's entering into a business-whether it
is to make money or whether it is to liquidate-should be determinative of the
question of whether or not the gains resulting from the sales are ordinary gains or
capital gains. The sole question is-were the taxpayers in the business of subdividing
real estate? If they were, then it seems indisputable that the property sold falls
within the exception in the definition of capital assets . . . that is, that it constituted
'property held by the taxpayer primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary
course of his trade or business.
Additionally, in Home Co., Inc. vs. Commissioner, 15 the court articulated on the
matter in this wise:
One may, of course, liquidate a capital asset. To do so, it is necessary to sell. The sale
may be conducted in the most advantageous manner to the seller and he will not
lose the benefits of the capital gain provision of the statute unless he enters the real
estate business and carries on the sale in the manner in which such a business is
ordinarily conducted. In that event, the liquidation constitutes a business and a sale
in the ordinary course of such a business and the preferred tax status is lost.
In view of the foregoing, We hold that in the course of selling the subdivided lots,
petitioners engaged in the real estate business and accordingly, the gains from the
sale of the lots are ordinary income taxable in full.
WHEREFORE, the decision of the Court of Tax Appeals is affirmed. No costs.
SO ORDERED.