Tax debts lead to closure of 7 businesses with Pogo workers as clients

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has closed seven establishments in Las Pinas City, including two Chinese restaurants with a clientele that officials said was from online casinos, or Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) facilities.

In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 3, the BIR said among establishments shuttered on Tuesday by BIR operatives from the National Capital Region included Young Restaurant and Shinedeligo Corp., which both had a clientele of Chinese workers in Pogo facilities.

Young Restaurant is said to be owned by a Frame Rosa Raner Salisi.

In its statement, the BIR said the restaurants were believed to be “allied services” for Pogos “since they predominantly serve the Chinese nationals employed” in online casinos.

The two restaurants failed to pay correct 12 percent value added taxes and were targeted under the BIR’s “Oplan Kandado” campaign against tax evaders.

The BIR, however, said the closure was just temporary as the establishments may resume operations after settling their tax debts.

Five other establishments, which the BIR described as “night-time,” were closed for being unregistered for tax purposes—Bigsun Food Stop, Battleground, Jazzy Sam Videoke and Grill, Janna-Hissa Catering Services and Society Eight Lifestyle Concept Store.

All seven establishments, according to the BIR statement, had been given sufficient notice to comply which “remained unheeded” after 48 hours, the deadline set by the BIR for compliance. /TSB