MALACAÑANG yesterday ruled out any crackdown against the opposition and allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the tax evasion suit filed against Ang Galing Party-List Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and his wife, Angela, as well as graft allegations against former solon and Local Water Utilities Administration chair Prospero Pichay Jr.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the Palace is not singling out anybody notably opposition personalities and Arroyo’s allies in a bid to get back at the former president.

In fact, Lacierda noted that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also filed tax evasion raps against Brazilian host of television noontime show “Eat Bulaga” before the Department of Justice.

The BIR said Daiana Menezes did not file any return for taxable years 2007 to 2009 despite being required under the law as a resident alien deriving income from within the Philippines.

Menezes, a Brazilian actress, model and TV host, has been residing in the Philippines since 2007 with current address at Unit 4C, Bright Place Condominium, Scout Bayoran St., Quezon City.

She is a regular host of “Eat Bulaga!” being aired on GMA 7 since 2007.

On the case of Pichay, the charges stemmed from LWUA’s allegedly anomalous acquisition of a Laguna-based thrift bank in 2008, in which the government supposedly incurred losses of about P480 million.

Finance chief Cesar Purisima said the respondents’ acts constituted malversation of public funds, which is punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

Malacañang insisted that the charges are evidenced based and not personality driven even as it is confident that Arroyo would be able to defend himself  during the preliminary investigation at the DOJ which is tasked to determine prima facie case before filing of appropriate suits before the Court of Tax Appeals.

Lacierda also assured due process and fairness to Arroyo and others who will be charged with tax evasion in the wake of the intensified drive of government against tax dodgers and tax cheats.