Philippines ban POGO over tax payments

Like many others, a POGO has failed to pay taxes, which is why the Philippine government has announced its closure through the BIR.

Philippines.- 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.

The Department of Finance said that from January to August, it collected €24.5 million. The figure represents a 242% rise from the same period in 2018. However, POGOs that haven’t paid their taxes owe around €400 million.

Caesar Dulay, commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, told the Manila Times that the companies may face closure. He said that they should prepare to face millionaire losses.

“Tell them to cooperate and volunteer to pay. The problem is they don’t respond to our demand letters,” Dulay said. He also said that there are POGOs that are still non-compliant with tax regulations. This is despite the government’s attempt to regularise the system.