NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Makati City LGU shuts Smart Communications Main Office
Photo credit: Mayor Abby Binay / Twitter
The Makati City Government ordered the closure of Smart Communications Inc.'s headquarters in Brgy. San Lorenzo for operating without a business permit since 2019 and for failing to pay over P3.2 billion in franchise taxes covering the period of January 2012 to December 2015.
The closure order was issued on February 23, 2023, citing the violation of Section 4A.01 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code or City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said that the city will not tolerate this kind of behavior from big or small companies.
The Office of the City Treasurer conducted an examination in 2016 and concluded that Smart Communications Inc. owed the city government over P3.2 billion in franchise tax over a four-year period.
Atty. Certeza said that the city had requested Smart to submit a breakdown of revenues and business taxes paid in all branches nationwide, but the telecommunications giant refused to present the documents.
Mayor Abby Binay has been vocal in her commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety standards for businesses operating in the city. Last year, 191 business establishments were shut down by the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office due to a lack of business permits.
The closure order was issued on February 23, 2023, citing the violation of Section 4A.01 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code or City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said that the city will not tolerate this kind of behavior from big or small companies.
The Office of the City Treasurer conducted an examination in 2016 and concluded that Smart Communications Inc. owed the city government over P3.2 billion in franchise tax over a four-year period.
Atty. Certeza said that the city had requested Smart to submit a breakdown of revenues and business taxes paid in all branches nationwide, but the telecommunications giant refused to present the documents.
Mayor Abby Binay has been vocal in her commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety standards for businesses operating in the city. Last year, 191 business establishments were shut down by the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office due to a lack of business permits.
Feb 27, 2023
