The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) suspended on Monday its "Oplan Kandado" (OK) program in Metro Manila and other areas affected by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” to minimize the inconvenience that businessmen have been encountering as a result of the calamity.

BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV issued the directive in view of the devastation experienced by thousands of businesses in order to give taxmen the chance to participate in the relief efforts.

To date, a total of 135 businesses from all over the country were closed under OK for allegedly cheating on value-added tax payments, although most of them have already resumed operations after settling their tax liabilities totalling to more than P200 million.

An erring business establishment is liable for closure if it under-declares its sales by 30 percent or more.

In a memorandum, Esquivias called on revenuers to support the relief efforts of President Arroyo and extend assistance to typhoon victims.

The BIR chief and other revenue officials also solicited relief goods for distribution to calamity victims.