Sen. Risa Hontiveros Urge Government To Collect POGO’s Unpaid Taxes Before Taxing Online Sellers
HONTIVEROS – Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the government to collect POGO’s unpaid taxes before taxing online sellers.
On Wednesday, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said the freelancers and online sellers are now required to pay their taxes and register as the e-commerce boom during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In its Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 60-2020, it states that online sellers should “ensure that their businesses are registered pursuant to the… Tax Code, as amended, and that they are tax-compliant.”
Aside from the sellers, it covers “other stakeholders involved such as payment gateways, delivery channels, internet service providers, and other facilitators.” BIR also encourage the merchants to “voluntarily declare their past transactions.”
E-commerce exploded amid the COVID-19 pandemic when several businesses including restaurants, public transportation, and malls are operating in limited capacities. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), meanwhile, are allowed to reopen ahead of the establishments in the country.
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On Thursday, June 11, Senator Risa Hontiveros took to her Twitter account to air her frustration with the government’s decision to ask for taxes from the online sellers. She urged the government to collect the unpaid taxes of POGO.
“Imbes na online sellers, baka pwedeng singilin muna ang mga POGO na may P50 billion in unpaid taxes?”
“Hindi ‘yung dagdag-perwisyo pa sa sarili nating mga kababayan na kaunti na nga lang ang kita para pandagdag-gastos sa pamilya nila,” she added.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked why the government giving its citizens a hard time. She said they should prioritize the welfare of the Pinoys.
“Bakit ba ang luwag natin sa POGO pero ang lupit sa mga Pilipino? Kahit na may 50B pesos unpaid taxes sila, at kahit na di essential, pinayagan pa ring mag-operate sa ilalim ng ECQ. Mayroon din silang mass testing, at tayo wala…”
“Pwede bang kapakanan ng mga Pinoy muna?” she said.
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READ ALSO: POGOs Required To Settle Taxes Before Allowed Operations – PAGCOR