Liv pays city P0.5M tax plus penalties

CEBU, Philippines - The management of controversial Liv Super Club in Mandaue City has settled yesterday its unpaid 2016 amusement tax to the city government amounting to P579,500.

This was confirmed by Michael Espedido, one of the club's operations manager.

Receipt of the payment showed the payor was “Liv Disco Club Inc.” and that the amount paid included the principal, interest, and penalties.

In a statement sent through email, the club's management thanked and appreciated the Philippine Drugs and Enforcement Agency for clearing the LIV management on the issue on drug activities in the club.

"Rest assured, LIV shall continue to fully cooperate and closely coordinate with PDEA to ensure that our establishment is drug-free," read the management's statement.

The club became controversial when Kenneth Dong, one of its owners, was named as an alleged middleman in attempt to smuggle P6.4 billion worth of shabu intercepted by the Bureau of Customs in Valenzuela City.

Benray Conti, one of the club’s two operations managers, had said that Dong was a minority owner and had nothing to do with the club's operations.

Conti also denied that their club is used as front for illegal drug trading, saying their business only involves dancing and drinking. (FREEMAN)