NEWSFLASH 

---

BISTRO ‘RJ’ ROCK BAR CLOSED FOR P8.7-M TAX EVASION

Makati City, March 19, 2000 Rock and roll singer-guitarist, banker and real estate businessman Ramon ‘RJ’ Jacinto may be losing the restaurant/bar bearing his name, which Makati officials have padlocked for alleged failure to pay P8.7 million in taxes.

Makati City Administrator Nicanor Santiago also charged Jacinto with operating the Bistro for the past six years in Makati without obtaining the necessary permit from the government.

Santiago told reporters he ordered the closure of the RJ Bistro on Pasay Road in Barangay San Lorenzo on March 8 after he found out that Jacinto owed City Hall P8,745,154.46 in regulatory fees and other charges and penalties.

The assessment was made by lawyer Rogelio Marasigan, officer-in-charge of the city legal department.

Santiago said Jacinto should pay his debts to the city government. Otherwise, the government may even seize Jacinto's property to pay for the P8 million, if the court so orders.

Sources at City Hall said Jacinto is already negotiating for a reprieve from Mayor Elenita Binay.

---