BIR padlocks another ‘tax-dodging’ Pogo

Another Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) was shuttered after revenue officials alleged the establishment was not registered for tax payments.The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said in a statement it ordered the temporary closure and shutdown of the Pasig City branch of Xpoint Technology Philippines Corp.

Xpoint has operations at the Ortigas Center, but its main office is located within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.

“Results of the investigation [conducted by BIR Task Force Pogo] showed that Xpoint is not registered for VAT (value-added tax) purposes as certified by the Revenue District Office No. 013-Tuguegarao City, Cagayan,” BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa said. He alleged the firm’s actions were in violation of the Tax Code.

Last year, when the BIR started its crackdown against tax-dodging Pogos, the task force padlocked the offices of Great Empire Gaming and Amusement Corp. in Subic Freeport, Eastwood in Quezon City and Aseana City in Parañaque.Also ordered closed were the head office of Altech Innovation Business Outsourcing in Aseana City and its branch in Pasay City.The same happened with New Oriental Club88 Corp.’s branch in Parañaque City. The company has main offices in Makati City and provides customer relations services as well as live studio streaming services.