POGOs told: Pay taxes first before leaving PH

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities should not allow Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and their personnel to go scot-free for tax evasion and other violations committed during their stay in the country, some senators said on Tuesday.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) revealed that Macau-based Suncity Group, the world’s largest junket operator, had opted to close its POGO business after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) required online casinos to pay their tax liabilities first before resuming operations.

Pagcor claimed other internet gambling operators had also signified their intention to close shop and transfer their operations elsewhere.

“The government should go after the Pogos for unpaid taxes,” Sen. Francis Pangilinan told the Inquirer in a Viber message.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said only legal Chinese-owned online gaming establishments should be allowed to operate to help raise much-needed funds for the government.

“In my opinion, let’s just stick with the legal POGOs… those paying taxes and are registered. They should not leave,” he said.