BIR padlocks 11 firms due to tax violations

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has padlocked 11 related business establishments owned by a single owner.

In an announcement yesterday, the BIR said it padlocked the different businesses of Luzviminda Alon-alon in Tagaytay City and Laguna for different violations of the Tax Code.

The BIR said Alon-alon understated taxable sales or receipts by at least 30 percent for the years 2008, 2009 and in the first and second quarters of 2010.

Furthermore, Alon-alon also failed to pay the right amount of value-added tax (VAT) it owed the BIR, the agency also said.

Padlocked by the BIR in Laguna were Alon-alon’s Magic Saver’s Supermarket located at Tram Plaza, Balibago in Sta. Rosa; Cabuyao Mini Resort in Cabuyao; Bell Junction Commercial leasing also in Cabuyao and Starbright Inn in Biñan.

The other business establishments that were padlocked included the Goldengate Inn in Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Montreal Lodge in Paciano Rizal, Calamba City; 727 Commercial Space in Paciano Rizal, Calamba City; Citrus Lodge in Dita, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; MAA building in Nueva, San Pedro, Laguna and Tram Plaza in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The BIR also ordered the closure of Alon-alon’s business in Tagaytay, Radiant Star Apartelle which is located in Silang West.

The closure came after Alon-alon refused to settle her obligations to the BIR after the agency issued a 48-hour notice and the five-day VAT compliance notice.

The BIR’s revenue district office in Biñan, Laguna recommended the closure of the establishments after Alon-alon failed to settle her tax liability (VAT) amounting to at least P4 million.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe for his part said Alon-alon’s businesses will be temporarily closed until all the requirements of the BIR, including the settlement of the tax liability are complied with.

The closure of the 11 establishments is part of the agency’s Oplan Kandado program wherein erring business establishments are padlocked temporarily.