Closure order of POGO operator for tax violation lifted: BIR

MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday said it has lifted the closure order against an offshore gaming operator shuttered earlier due to tax violations.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Great Empire Gaming and Amusement Corp. offered to pay P250 million and the balance in 3 months up to end of December in post dated checks, BIR chief Cesar Dulay said in a statement.

Its operations were shutdown last Sept. 25.

"I approved recommendation of Pogo Task Force and BIR received payment of P250 million - Allowed to operate and required to update withholding tax payments and register employees," Dulay said.

Great Empire has offices in Subic, Quezon City and Parañaque. It has about 8,100 foreign employees, of which 2,000 are employed in their office in Quezon City,

There are 60 licensed POGO operators in the country. The Department of Finance has intensified its campaign to urge POGOs to pay the correct taxes.