By Villamor Visaya Jr., Phil Daily Inquirer news correspondent and PNA/GMA7 stringer
TUGUEGARAO CITY-The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had earlier ordered the closure of tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corporation but held off on the order.
On Tuesday, May 17, the BIR issued a media advisory stating that it would issue a closure order against Megaworld at the property giant’s main office in Bonifacio Global City. It was reported that Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa and Regional Director Eduardo Pagulayan were supposed to lead the implementation of the order.
The Megaworld claimed it has “clarified and resolved” the matter. The company did not disclose its unpaid taxes due to the government. Attorney Pagulayan said the action was done to ensure due process.
“Hindi kami binibigyan ng access sa accounting records nila kaya isara namin yan kasi hindi namin ma determine yung totoong taxes nila pag hindi namin tignan yung mga records nila, kanina nagsignify na sila ng willingness na bigyan kami access sa records nila so suspend muna yung closure order to be implemented again pag hindi sila nagbayad sa findings of tax liabilities nila after audit..compulsory process lang namin yan para mag open sila ng records,” Attorney Pagulayan told this correspondent in text messages on May 17 evening.#
