MANILA – Instead of taxing online sellers, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) should first collect the unpaid taxes of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Opposition senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated this Thursday, saying the government should first prioritize the welfare of the Filipino, who resorted to online selling as alternative during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Imbes na online sellers, baka pwedeng singilin muna ang mga POGO na may P50 billion in unpaid taxes?” Hontiveros said in a statement. “Pwede bang kapakanan ng Pinoy muna?”
The BIR earlier came up with Memorandum Circular No. 60-2020, which states that “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,” shall register to ensure that they are tax compliant.
Aside from online sellers, the BIR memo also covers “other stakeholders involved” in online transactions “such as payment gateways, delivery channels, internet service providers, and other facilitators.”
But Hontiveros questioned why the government seems to impose strict policies against Filipinos, while being lenient on POGOs.
“Bakit ba ang luwag natin sa POGO pero ang lupit sa mga Pilipino? Kahit na may P50-B unpaid taxes sila, at kahit na di essential, pinayagan pa ring mag-operate sa ilalim ng ECQ (enhanced community quarantine). Mayroon din silang mass testing at tayo wala,” she said.
Senator Joel Villanueva also made the same sentiment as he lauded the Filipinos who were engaged in online selling as alternative after not getting cash assistance from the government.
“Pasalamat nga tayo at madiskarte ang mga Pilipino. Wala na ngang ayuda, ita tax pa, hindi naman milyon-milyon ang kinikita ng maliliit na online sellers,” Villanueva said in a Twitter post.
Meanwhile, Malacañang assured the two senators the BIR is going after the P50 billion tax debts by the POGOs in the country as they were not allowed to resume operations until they settle their tax dues.
“Huwag silang mag alala sinisingil natin ang mga POGOs. Hindi sila makakapagbukas nang hindi nagbabayad,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press conference on Thursday./PN
