BIR padlocks first ‘tax-dodging’ POGO as directed by Finance department

About 500 Chinese nationals working at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation walk out of their office at a building in Libis, Quezon City during a raid by Bureau of Internal Revenue agents on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. The BIR's Task Force POGO enforced the closure and shutdown of operations of the establishment in compliance with a Department of Finance directive. GMA News

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday closed down the offices of a tax delinquent Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

The closure and shut down of an offshore gaming operator was in line with the directive of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, the bureau said.

“Padlocked today are the offices of Great Empire Gaming and Amusement Corp. (GEGAC) located at the Subic Freeport, Eastwood in Quezon City, and Aseana City in Parañaque,” the bureau noted in a statement.

Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino told GMA News Online that GEGAC employs around 8,000 workers, citing information from the taxman.

“The POGO Task Force is implementing the directive from Finance Secretary Dominguez to shut down POGO operators and service providers that are not paying their fair share of taxes,” Lambino noted.

“Filipino wage earners automatically contribute via withheld income taxes. Foreign nationals and their employers should do the same,” the DOF official emphasized.

“Results of the investigation showed that GEGAC is not registered for VAT (value-added tax) purposes, violating Section 108 vis-a-vis Section 115 of the Tax Code as certified by the Revenue District Office 019 – Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” the BIR said.

The closure order was issued by BIR Deputy Commissioner for Operations Group Arnel SD. Guballa and enforced by the bureau’s Task Force POGO. —VDS, GMA News