Title
De Jesus-Sevilla vs. Collector of Internal Revenue
Case
G.R. No. L-20060
Decision Date
Apr 30, 1968
A lawyer and businesswoman is found liable for amusement tax due to her active involvement in promoting and financing bullfight exhibitions, despite her claim of non-involvement as an operator or promoter.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-20060)

Facts:

  • Lilia de Jesus-Sevilla is the petitioner; the Collector of Internal Revenue is the respondent.
  • In June 1954, Lilia met Jesus Sto. Tomas Cortes, a sports exhibition promoter.
  • Cortes proposed staging bullfight exhibitions in the Philippines, citing potential profits.
  • Lilia agreed to provide working capital, granting Cortes a special power of attorney on August 20, 1954.
  • Cortes signed a contract with a Portuguese bullfight troupe on August 26, 1954.
  • On October 10, 1954, Lilia and Cortes entered a Contract of Management, naming Cortes as promoter and Lilia as general manager.
  • Lilia was responsible for arranging up to P100,000.00 in working capital and guaranteeing overdraft repayments.
  • She also secured contracts for advertising and arena construction.
  • Seven bullfight exhibitions occurred between December 31, 1954, and February 6, 1955, with Lilia managing finances and operations.
  • The Collector of Internal Revenue assessed Lilia for P111,056.84 in amusement tax and a P600.00 penalty for not registering her books.
  • Lilia's request for reconsideration was denied, leading to an appeal to the Court of Tax Appeals.
  • On May 23, 1962, the Court affirmed the Collector's decision, excluding the penalty.
  • The main issue was whether Lilia was the proprietor or operator of the exhibitions, making her liable for the amusement tax.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Tax Appeals' decision, confirming Lilia de Jesus-Sevilla's liability for the amusement tax.
  • The Court determined that Lilia's involvemen...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Court noted that Lilia's role was not limited to financial support; she actively managed and operated the exhibitions.
  • The special power of attorney and the Contract of Management highlighted her significant involvement.
  • Unlike the financier in Blaquera vs. Aldaba, Lilia undertook responsibilities such as securing contracts and overseeing operations.
  • The M...continue reading

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