Pacquiao facing tax investigation

Philippine tax officials have filed a criminal complaint against boxing champion and elected politician Manny Pacquiao for failure to submit documents to investigators looking into his tax returns.

Prosecutors will decide if there is enough evidence to bring the case to court, where Pacquiao could face up to two years in jail if convicted.

Any jailing could prove unpopular in the country, where he is revered as a hero among the general public.

Bureau of Internal Revenue regional director Rozil Lozares says a complaint was filed on March 1 after Pacquiao failed to submit the documents despite three notices and a subpoena.

He said today that Pacquiao's 2010 tax return contained "discrepancies" considering his many businesses and endorsements.

Pacquiao was ranked by Forbes magazine last year as the world's 24th richest athlete.