BIR shuts down resto bar for unpaid taxes

CEBU, Philippines – A Korean restaurant that owes the government close to P6 million in taxes was ordered closed by the Bureau of International Revenue.

BIR deputy commissioner for operations Nelson Aspe led the implementation of the closure order against Blu Tops Resto Bar in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. The order was received by the resto bar’s president, Merlita Robledo.

Manuel Mapoy, BIR-Revenue District 13 assistant director, said that the company has a total of P5.8 million tax liabilities since 2013 up to the first quarter of 2015.

Zennen Tabanao, BIR-Revenue District 13 Special Investigation Division chief, said that the company is owned by Korean national Jong Jong Ho alias JJ and his Korean wife.

Mapoy said the restaurant was under direct surveillance for 15 days and found to have not been making correct declaration of its sales. It was the first establishment to be closed by BIR this year for not paying the correct taxes.

“We want to emphasize that it is not easy to close an establishment.  But with the closure, we are sending a strong message that those establishments who violated our tax laws, shall be meted similar penalty,” Mapoy warned.

Mapoy added that more establishments will be facing closure orders in the coming days.

Robledo said that the restaurant has less than 20 employees who will be directly affected by the closure order. The owner of the restaurant was given five days to settle the unpaid taxes.

“Mobayad naman unta mi pero nauwahi na mi kay na-forward na daw sa Manila ang record,” said Mark Jugan, the restaurant’s bookkeeper.

The closure order dated September 21 was signed by BIR Commissioner Kim Henares. —/FPL (FREEMAN)