The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has shut down nine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in Cagayan for alleged non-registration with the agency.
The closure order includes its nine service providers.
BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay said the Cagayan Export Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) issued licenses to POGOs, but did not register the business with the bureau as required under Revenue Regulations 20-2021.
The BIR chief said the POGOs will remain closed together with their service providers until the registration requirements are complied with and deficiency taxes paid.
"May these closures against POGO entities will serve as a deterrent to others who violate tax laws and regulations," Dulay added.
The shutdown POGOs were identified as Asia BGE Limited, Fine Day Holdings Limited, Hana Talk, NCGAC Limited, NEO Kingdom Limited, Oak Tree Services, Succeed Asia Limited, Wealthy Leap and WUS Technology Holding Limited.
The service providers were named as Alpha Fortune Management Solution, Empire Group International and Management Services, Hi-Source Service, Kui Business Services, Lyndhurst Services, Pacific Management Solutions, Rimrock ICT Services, Succeed Asia Ventures and Top Asia Leisure and Entertainment Corporation.
A POGO operates online game of chance using the Internet and taps service providers for live streaming games for overseas clients who are not Filipinos.