Tulum Councilman’s Bank Accounts Frozen by Tax Authority

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) has immobilized eight bank accounts belonging to Tulum councilman Jorge Portilla Manica due to outstanding federal tax debts and his refusal to pay taxes. This measure has been upheld by a federal judge who rejected a request to release the frozen funds.

Portilla, a councilman for the Movimiento Ciudadano (emecista) party, now faces potential serious sanctions while he remains politically active and has not challenged the judicial resolution.

Accounts Frozen Since July

Since July 16 of this year, the controversial Tulum landowner has been subject to these measures, which were ordered by the Strategic Oversight Administration "5" of the Central Strategic Oversight Administration, which is part of the General Administration of Federal Tax Auditing, all entities of the SAT.

The eight immobilized bank accounts consist of three investment accounts, three checking accounts, and two savings accounts. One of these accounts is held with Banco Santander, according to a review conducted by Sol Quintana Roo.

This media outlet had previously reported that the Tulum councilman was facing tax problems following requests for legal injunctions (amparos). However, a new, more detailed review reveals the illegal activities Portilla Manica has engaged in by refusing to pay taxes, which could lead to much more serious charges related to tax obligations.

Federal Judge Deals a Blow to Portilla's Challenge

As a result of these irregularities, on September 24, the Third District Court refused to release the seized bank accounts. The court's argument was that the federal tax authority accessed his accounts to verify the origin of the money.

Federal Judge Ana María Nava Ortega, head of the Third District Court, stated that it is improper to grant a definitive suspension for the release of the accounts because the councilman is the cause of a harm that attacks the collective good. In her ruling, she cited jurisprudence which states: "It is improper to grant the requested suspension against the execution of the audit acts provided for in the aforementioned legal provision that, in exercise of the powers of verification."

She added: "The above is so because society is interested in the pursuit and conclusion of these administrative procedures, so that the State can meet collective needs."

It is estimated that millions of pesos are being withheld, in addition to millions that the Tulum landowner refuses to pay to the treasury.

For the moment, Portilla Manica has not filed any appeal to challenge the federal judge's denial. He continues to operate in Tulum, carrying out acts to promote his public image.