Smart Communications Inc. "remains committed to complying with Makati City’s local tax ordinances and with applicable national laws", the telco stated Monday, February 27.
The Makati local government issued the telco with a closure order, saying Smart has been operating without a business permit since 2019 and owes the city P3.2 Billion in back taxes from January, 2012 to December, 2015.

The closure order was issued today on Smart’s Head Office located in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
"Smart has filed the appropriate cases to resolve outstanding legal issues and these cases remain pending," according to the telco's statement.
"Our legal and tax teams continue to be in touch with the Makati LGU on the matters at hand."
"We assure the public that our services will remain available and accessible to our subscribers," the statement concluded.