Manila, Philippines — October 26, 2025.
A statement attributed to Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claiming that “task evasion is legal” has recently gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from the public and raising questions about government accountability.
However, official records and verified news sources reveal no direct statement from Remulla declaring task or tax evasion as “legal.” Legal experts and government officials clarified that the viral quote appears to be a misinterpretation or misinformation derived from discussions on tax avoidance — a completely different matter.
Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion
According to the DOJ, there is a clear distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion.
Tax avoidance refers to the use of legal means to minimize tax liabilities, such as through lawful deductions, exemptions, or incentives under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Tax evasion, on the other hand, involves illegal actions to avoid paying taxes, such as falsifying documents, hiding income, or underreporting assets.
Remulla has consistently stated that tax evasion remains a criminal offense under Philippine law. In past interviews, he emphasized the government’s determination to strengthen collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to file airtight cases against smugglers and tax evaders.
Possible Source of Confusion
Some analysts believe the viral claim originated from a social media video clip that used the phrase “tax avoidance is legal,” but was misheard or mistranslated as “task evasion.” The video, which circulated widely on Facebook, featured edited footage with misleading captions, suggesting that the DOJ had legalized evasion of duties or taxes.
Digital fact-checkers have urged the public to verify information before sharing, especially when statements appear to contradict established laws or government policy.
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DOJ’s Clarification
In response to the circulating posts, a DOJ representative reaffirmed that the department has not issued any policy or statement that would legalize any form of tax or task evasion.
> “The DOJ continues to prosecute cases of tax evasion and related offenses. The Secretary has never said that evasion of taxes or duties is legal,” the official clarified.
Public Reaction
Despite the clarification, the incident sparked debate online. Some netizens expressed frustration, citing it as another example of misinformation spreading unchecked, while others criticized the government for vague communication that can easily be twisted.
Conclusion
The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate information and media literacy. While “task evasion” may have trended as a misunderstood phrase, the legal stance remains firm:
> Evasion of lawful duties — whether in taxes or public obligations — is not and has never been legal.
