MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) closed an online selling operation in Cebu City on March 12 after finding that it failed to declare over PHP211 million in sales.

The closure was carried out under the BIR’s Oplan Kandado program following a joint investigation with the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas and the Regional Investigation Division of BIR Region No. 13-Central Visayas.

Investigators traced the operation to locations in Mandaue City, including Jamestown and Mabini Street, as well as Pahina Central in Cebu City. The seller offered luxury goods through Facebook Live and other digital platforms without issuing official receipts or proper BIR registration.

Mission Orders were issued to monitor sales, verify tax compliance, and inventory taxable products. Examination of business records revealed over PHP211 million in gross sales, resulting in a minimum tax liability of PHP40.4 million, inclusive of surcharges and penalties, under the National Internal Revenue Code.

Authorities are still trying to locate the individual behind the operation, who has not responded to repeated BIR notices. The agency plans to pursue formal tax assessments and possible criminal charges under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) initiative.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the agency is committed to ensuring compliance among all businesses, whether physical or online.

“Honest taxpayers should never be placed at a disadvantage by those who evade their obligations. We will continue to enforce the law and protect the integrity of our tax system,” Mendoza said in a statement Saturday.

The operation is part of the BIR’s intensified campaign against illegal business activities and tax evasion, in line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the policy guidance of Finance Secretary Frederick Go to protect government revenues and uphold fair competition for law-abiding businesses.