BIR padlocks 11 establishments in Tagaytay and Laguna

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has padlocked several business establishments located in Tagaytay City, Batangas and Laguna for failing to settle their tax obligations. The BIR said in a statement Friday that the establishments' owner, Luzviminda Alon-alon, understated the taxable sales or receipts of her businesses by at least 30 percent for 2008, 2009, and the first and second quarter of 2010. The agency also said that Alon-alon failed to pay the right amount of value-added tax (VAT) amounting to P4 million. According to the BIR's statement, the establishments ordered for closure include: — Magic Saver's Supermarket (Sta. Rosa City, Laguna); — Cabuyao Mini Resort (Cabuyao, Laguna); — Bell Junction Commercial Leasing (Cabuyao, Laguna); — Starbright Inn (Biñan City, Laguna); — Goldengate Inn (Sta. Rosa City, Laguna); — Montreal Lodge (Calamba City, Laguna); — 727 Commercial Space (Calamba City, Laguna); — Citrus Lodge (Sta. Rosa City), Laguna); — MAA Building (San Pedro, Laguna); — Tram Plaza (Sta. Rosa City, Laguna); and — Radiant Star Apartelle (Tagaytay City, Batangas). Alon-alon failed to settle her dues despite the 48-hour notice issued by the BIR. The agency later issued a five-day VAT Compliance Notice. BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said that Alon-alon's businesses will be temporarily closed until all the requirements of the BIR — including the settlement of tax liabilities — are complied with. The closure of the 11 establishments is part of the BIR's "Oplan Kandado" program, where erring business establishments are padlocked temporarily. — JE/OMG, GMANews.TV