In a decisive move to enforce tax compliance, the Pasig City local government has ordered the immediate shutdown of nine companies owned by contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya. This drastic action follows the couple’s failure to settle a massive tax delinquency reportedly exceeding P1 billion, a significant blow to the firms, which include the prominent St. Gerard Construction.
The closure order, issued on Friday, marks a culmination of financial and legal troubles for the Discayas. According to reports by Glen Juego on dzBB and “24 Oras,” Pasig City revoked the business permits for all nine firms after the couple demonstrated an unwillingness to comply with tax obligations. Furthermore, the firms were found to be operating without the necessary occupancy permits, adding another layer to the legality of their operations.
St. Gerard Construction was specifically named in the reports as one of the two Discaya-owned construction firms that recently had their corporate registration revoked. This revocation is compounded by the fact that the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) had already taken steps to invalidate the contractor’s licenses of all nine construction companies. The PCAB’s earlier decision signaled serious compliance issues long before the city’s final shutdown order.
This case has drawn attention from high levels of government. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla previously indicated that the Discaya couple could be facing nine separate legal cases related to these issues, suggesting a potentially lengthy and complex legal battle ahead.
The Pasig City government’s firm stance sends a clear message: tax evasion and operating without proper permits will not be tolerated. This shutdown not only aims to recoup the substantial P1 billion in unpaid taxes but also serves as a strong reminder to all businesses within the city’s jurisdiction about the importance of strict regulatory compliance. The focus now shifts to the legal proceedings and whether the local government will successfully recover the massive tax debt owed to the city.