The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raised last year more than P7 billion from the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO). Last year’s collection follows the steadily rising pattern since 2018 when P2.3 billion were collected.
The collection covered mostly income tax paid by thousands of foreign POGO workers.
BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay made the announcement as he enumerated the various tax management and enforcement programs that enabled the agency to exceed its collection target of P1.6 trillion last year by more than P255 billion, garnering a total of P1.9 trillion
He noted that it was the first time in the last 17 years that the agency surpassed the collection assignment.
The BIR said they will pursue the same strategies to duplicate last year's successful tax collection campaign.
These included the filing of tax evasion charges against dishonest business and professional taxpayers, closure of companies under declaring sales to reduce tax payments, and further enhancing the electronic filing and payment system.
Dulay also exhorted revenuers to stay focused on their jobs to raise more funds that the government urgently needs to help fight the corona virus pandemic.