‘Goodbye,’ Palace tells POGOs unable to pay taxes

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday bid farewell to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) that are unable to pay their taxes.

“Well, we need them, because we need the revenues but unless they pay up – goodbye,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said when asked if the government will relax its tax requirements on POGOs.

“Well, malinaw po ang posisyon natin (our position is clear), if they want to stay, they have to pay the right taxes. They have to follow iyong rules and regulations, health guidelines na set by the IATF,” he added.

Roque issued the statement after a wave of POGO closures was seen due to tax requirements.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) said the Macau-based Suncity Group has shuttered its POGO operations in the country. A second player has informed the regulator of its intention to close as well.

POGOs were earlier allowed to resume partial operations by Pagcor even under lockdown since it was said to be under business process outsourcing.

But POGOs need to settle their taxes first before they are allowed to resume operations.