Philippines considers POGO tax
The Philippines is considering setting a 5% tax on POGO operators’ revenue, amid controversy with China and overall tension in Southeast Asia.
Philippines.- Lawmakers are considering a new change to gambling regulations through proposed legislation. The Philippines would set a 5% tax on POGO operators’ revenue, a measure that has the authorities’ support.
Joey Salceda filed the bill in the Philippines House of Representatives and got support from finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III.
The Philippines would not only tax POGO operations but also set a monthly tax on table games. Moreover, a monthly fee levied on random number generator (RNG) based games like slot machines.
Philippines bans POGO
Many POGO licensees have been under fire over their failure to pay taxes. That’s why the government decided to close down Altech Innovations Business Outsourcing, one of them.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ordered the closure over failing to pay taxes for its 1,000 workers. BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa said Altech violated provisions of the National Revenue Code.
POGO’s debts
The Department of Finance of the Philippines issued around 130 letters urging Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to pay the taxes they owe. The Bureau of Internal Revenue also warned them that if they don’t pay those taxes, they will face sanctions.
