BIR shuts down Mr. Liempo’s commissary

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue-7 has closed the commissary of Mr. Liempo in Barangay Bangbang, Cordova, Cebu due to alleged non-payment of taxes amounting to P303 million.

The closure order was issued by BIR deputy commissioner for operations Arnel Guballa. Mr. Liempo is owned by Cordova mayoralty candidate Cesar “Didoy” Suan.

Cordova Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho said the municipal government will help the affected employees of her political rival. In a post on Facebook, Cho said she was saddened by the closure of all the branches of Mr. Liempo. She urged all the affected workers to visit the mayor’s office.

The municipal government could help the affected workers to get a new job at the newly inaugurated Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Marjun Baguio, Mr. Liempo’s spokesperson, said the owner has assured that all the employees will continue to receive their salary even if they are not operating.

“Pero mag sweldo ug mag sweldo gihapon ang tanang affected workers maski close ang outlets ug commissary. Then pangitaan sila asap ug unsay mahatag na assignment or work para naa gihapon silay work nya continue ilang sweldo. Mao man na ang promise ni Didoy Suan na dili sila pasagdan,” said Baguio.

Suan refused to issue a statement on the closure of Mr. Liempo’s commissary.

The Mandaue-based Mr. Liempo first opened in Metro Cebu in 2009 and has since become one of the leading lechon liempo and lechon chicken food service stores in the Visayas. — FPL (FREEMAN)