Senator Risa Hontiveros Supports Online Sellers, Urges Gov’t To Tax POGO
HONTIVEROS SUPPORTS ONLINE SELLERS – Following the controversy for planning to tax online businesses, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the government to tax POGOs first.
Historically, POGOs themselves have been included in massive controversies regarding illegal activities, most of which include unpaid taxes, drug rings, and more.
According to an article from GMA, Hontiveros stated:
Imbes na online sellers, baka pwedeng singilin muna ang mga POGO na may P50 billion in unpaid taxes?
READ: POGOs NOT BPO: Dati Hindi Sila BPO, Ngayon BPO Na? – Drilon
Amid the coronavirus quarantine, people have begun to do their business online. Due to not being allowed outside to shop, online sellers now flourish and have the opportunity to feed families and make ends meet.
As such, Hontiveros added:
Hindi ‘yung dagdag-perwisyo pa sa sarili nating mga kababayan na kaunti na nga lang ang kita para pandagdag-gastos sa pamilya nila
Despite not paying billions in Taxes, these operators were still allowed to run their operation, even amid the coronavirus epidemic. This was due to PACGOR emphasizing that POGOs weren’t gambling operations but part of the BPO industry.
However, even the BPO industry themselves detest the inclusion of POGOs among their ranks. But now, the government wants to tax these online businesses due to the Bureau of International Revenue’s (BIR) memorandum that states:
all persons doing business and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media, and other digital means
In the previous month, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government is eyeing proposals to impose taxes on online businesses and even streaming.
Meanwhile, POGOs have been allowed to partially open in May ahead of Filipino-based services and businesses.
READ ALSO: POGO: PH Allows Partial Reopening Of Online Gaming Firm Amid ECQ
