Makati govt shuts Smart head office over PHP 3.2 billion unpaid taxes

The city government of Makati padlocked the headquarters of PLDT's wireless unit Smart Communications on Monday morning due to alleged unpaid taxes amounting to PHP 3.2 billion. 

File photo: Smart logo

Smart faces issues with unpaid taxes, lack of permit in Makati 

In a statement, the local government said the company failed to obtain relief from courts over its franchise tax covering January 2012 to December 2015. 

The city government also issued a photo of the closed Smart office in Brgy. San Lorenzo. 

It also added that Smart had been operating even without a business permit since 2019. 

When businesses in Makati choose to operate without a valid business permit, they are essentially operating outside the law. This is unacceptable, and I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior, whether you are a big or small company, Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said. 

Certeza also said that the telco firm was directed to submit a breakdown of its revenues and business taxes pain in all branches nationwide. However, Smart allegedly failed to present the documents. 

Makati Mayor Abby Binay said they are "committed to making sure all businesses are operating legally."

It is important for businesses to know that we take these matters seriously and will take action when necessary, Binay said. 

Smart has yet to issue its statement. 

Source: ABS-CBN