Villanueva to DILG: Ask LGUs to cancel permits of POGOs evading tax fees

Senator Joel Villanueva (Photo from the senator’s office)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ask local government units (LGUs) to revoke business permits of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firms that do not comply with the country’s tax laws.

The senator issued the remark following the proposal of the Department of Finance (DOF) to shut down erring POGOs.

READ: Crackdown on unlicensed, tax evading Pogos set

“We do not owe anything to these errant POGOs who have the gall to refuse the correct payment of taxes of their workers. We expect nothing less than the immediate shut down of these firms,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“We call on the interior department to support the Department of Finance by asking all local government units to revoke business permits of POGOs who do not comply with our tax laws,” the senator added.

Villanueva further said DILG should help the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) “by asking the police to fan out and shutter these firms, the way it closed down operations of the PCSO last month.”

“Hindi biro ang pagsulpot ng sektor na ito at ang mga kaakibat na problemang dala dala nito tulad ng paglikha ng tinatawag na real estate bubble at pagtaas ng krimen sangkot ang mga dayuhan,” Villanueva stressed.

The senator explained that rent rates for residential or office purposes have also soared amid the prevalence of POGOs, which affects Filipino locals and businessmen alike.

Villanueva added that Chinese criminals are also transferring to the country to escape their home country’s laws, as he cited the recent raid in Pasig City where 277 Chinese nationals were arrested.

READ: 277 Chinese held in investment scam crackdown

“Sa ating pananaw, hindi po sapat ang kanilang binabayaran na buwis para payagan itong mamayagpag,” the senator said.

Villanueva pointed out POGOs only provides “minimal benefits” to the country.

“Maging ang gobyerno ng China po ay hinihiling na ipagbawal na ang pagpapatakbo ng mga POGO mula sa ating pamahalaan,” Villanueva said.

“Maliit lang po ang benepisyo natin sa sektor na ito, at mas malaki pa ang dulot na abala sa atin nito. Dapat po talagang ipatigil ang operasyon nitong mga POGO sa ating bayan,” he added. /kga