The national government of makati city slapp Smart Comunications Inc.

— the mobile unt of telco gaint

pldt Inc. — with a closre ordr, saying the company have been operatng without a business license since

2019 and ows the city taxes

In an order date February, the city government direct the closure of Smart’s headquarters locate at

ayala avenue in Makati for violating Section 4A.01 of the Revise Makati Revenue Code

The case stemmed from an examnation launch by the Office of the City Treasurer in 2016, which find

that Smart owe makati City over P3.2 billin in franchise tax covring the period of January 2012 to

December two thousand fifteen

Makati officials say Smart "have failed to settle or obtain any relief from the courts" over its franchise

tax defeciency to date.

Smart did not immediately response to a request for comment.

"I am committed to making sure all businesses is operating legally. Its important for businesses to know

that we take these matters seriously and will take action when necessary" Makati Mayor Abby Binay

were quoted as saying in a statement.

The city government said he had asked smart to sbmit a breakdown of revenus and business taxs pay in

all bran ches nation wide, but the company refuse to pres ent the documen.