Construction materials supplier, with 7 warehouses, next in line for closure in Cebu City

VIC ENTERPRISES, a supplier of general construction materials, may become the latest casualty in Cebu City Hall’s stringent campaign against companies operating without business permits. Following complaints about how the company is allegedly causing traffic congestions and pollution, among other concerns, in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña ordered the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) to investigate the tax payment practices of the firm. “A tax mapping within the area was conducted wherein it was found out that five of your warehouses located around F. Gochan Street and Cebu North Road areas are operating without final business permits,” reads the CTO report dated Nov. 13. A separate check by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) also found out that the company’s vehicles have committed numerous traffic violations over the course of their operations. Of the 85 vehicles registered under CCTO, at least 63 were found to have violated traffic rules on numerous occasions, a CCTO report said. The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office also reported that there were numerous issues observed during its environmental pollution assessment of the firm. Mr. Osmeña said he will ask Vic Enterprises to explain in writing why the city government should not close its business establishments given the alleged violations cited. Meanwhile, incoming CTO head Veronica A. Morelos said she will continue the current administration’s thrust in going after tax evaders. Mr. Osmeña has recommended Ms. Morelos to replace Treasurer Tessie C. Camarillo, who is set to retire from public service on Jan. 1. “Once I will sit as the acting treasurer, we will continue to encourage our businessmen to comply with all the regulatory laws and to pay the right taxes on time,” Ms. Morelos told

Ms. Morelos has previously worked at the CTO as inspector, examiner, and operations officer, among others. She was assigned as Mr. Osmeña’s executive assistant in 2003, and promoted as assistant city administrator in 2004 to 2016. —