TAYTAY, Rizal – In what appears to be an effort to compel business establishments to issue receipts from where the government computes tax assessments, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) closed down two department stores – one adjacent the municipal hall and another at the town proper.
Acting on complaints, ordered closed are two Divimart outlets (one in Barangay San Juan and another in Barangay Dolores), a department store known for selling substandard products from China.
According to BIR regional director Albino Galanza, Divimart has not been issuing receipts to its customers despite repeated warnings issued by the revenue agency.
Revenue District Officer Grace Lacerna noted that Divimart is also a subject of BIR’s scrutiny over suspicion of under-declaring sales resulting in minimal tax payments.
Strategic Move
The closure order came months after billionaire Lucio Co acquired 14 DiviMart Supermarkets with the potential addition of 18 more locations through a sublease agreement, in what was thought to be a strategic move that would solidify its presence in the retail sector and cater to a diverse customer base.
The acquisition encompasses leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and merchandise inventory, which will contribute to Puregold’s operational capabilities and product offerings.
Aside from the two outlets in Taytay, likewise closed down were 12 DiviMart stores situated in Angat and Pandi in Bulacan, Morong in Bataan, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, San Miguel in Pasig City, General Trias and Bacoor in Cavite, Cabuyao in Laguna, Tayuman in Manila, Aliaga in Nueva Ecija, and Pulilan in Bulacan.
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