BIR poised to padlock 16 Central Luzon firms

By George Trillo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The padlocks are ready as the Bureau of Internal Revenue sets out to lock down 16 business firms in Central Luzon over tax violations.

This was bared by BIR Region 3 Director Romulo Aguila Jr. who said he is determined to personally lead the padlocking of the establishments under the BIR Region 3’s “Oplan Kandado” program.

“I will personally padlock a wholesale company and a general merchandise store in the coming weeks,” said Aguila after his office BIR monitored several business entities evading taxes.
Last year, BIR launched “Oplan Kandado,” to punish and reform delinquent taxpayers.

But Aguila said 16 business entities, with questionable tax records, will be afforded due process.

“The business owners of the said establishments will be given ample time to rectify their violations but if they fail to explain their alleged violations, they would be closed within the prescribed period,” he said.

The taxpayers in question will first be given 48 hours notice to refute or question the findings of the BIR regarding their violations.

If the taxpayer fails to do so, they will again be given another chance through the five-day VAT (value-added tax) compliance notice.

If the taxpayers still fail to comply, the Regional Revenue Board (RRB), headed by Aguila for Region 3, will evaluate the case and draft its recommendation to the BIR Commissioner to issue a closure order.