ROXAS CITY (PNA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is relentlessly pursuing “Oplan Kandado” in line with government’s revenue generation program and in support of the country’s overall economic development agenda.

In Region VI, BIR Regional Director Alert Alocilja said the full force of the law is being enforced on business establishments violating its specific provisions, especially where it concerns the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT). The EVAT is a key component in economic reforms adopted by government to sustain economic growth.

Alocilja was here last week with Revenue District Officer Gil Tabanda and lawyers Rey Raagas and Paul Vidanes from the BIR Central Office to serve closure orders on two local business establishments for tax violations under BIR Memorandum Order No. 3, series of 2009.

The closure order was signed by BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV.

Based on records with the BIR Revenue District Office No. 72 here, the two establishments, WTO Trading located on Roxas Avenue and the Black and White Supermart and Pharmacy at Burgos Street in Roxas City, have not been able to settle their tax obligations worth a total of R64 million and R2.9 million, respectively,

"Oplan Kandado" is based on BIR Memorandum Order No. 3 issued by the Office of the BIR Commissioner on January 23, 2009.

Alocilja told local mediamen that the BIR is bent on enforcing the law against violators of revenue laws after due process.

The BIR had conducted the necessary surveillance activities and served a 48-hour notice and five-day VAT compliance notice before serving the closure order to the two establishments.

Upon the serving of the notice, the subject establishments were asked to settle at least 10 percent of their total tax obligations.

The BIR formed a composite team composed of BIR, Philippine National Police, and barangay officials during the “Oplan Kandado” activity here.