There is nothing to worry about payment of correct taxes to government as Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) members put this on top of its list prior to resuming operations.
ASPAP spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez reiterated this commitment amid calls from Senator Risa Hontiveros for the Pogo Service Providers (PSP) to settle their tax dues instead of the government imposing taxes on online retailers.
Gutierrez said that their members dutifully pay the required regulatory fees and corporate and withholding taxes of its workers.
“We reiterate our unequivocal commitment to pay the appropriate tax dues imposed by the government prior to the limited reopening of the online gaming operations,” Gutierrez said.
She added that PSPs are consistent with their assurances to fully support the country’s road to economic recovery as it reels from the devastating effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
She also said that the PSPs have been complying with tax laws even before the outbreak of the pandemic.
“ASPAP members opted not to seek incentives or any tax breaks from government from the start,” said Gutierrez, adding that the PSPs are contributing around P94.7 billion to the local economy that could reach as high as P104 billion this year
The ASPAP spokesperson also maintained that PSPs shall observe all health and safety protocols set by regulators once their limited operations start.
“We wish to reassure our legislators and the public that resumption of PSP operations would not undermine quarantine protocols or pose unnecessary health risk to the community,” said Gutierrez.
Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque also clarified that the government is collecting the unpaid taxes of PSPs contrary to Hontiveros’ claims.
“We collect their taxes, Senator Risa Hontiveros. They will not be allowed to open unless they pay their taxes,” said Roque in a briefing on Thursday.
Malacanang also clarified that sellers earning P250,000 below annually are exempted from paying taxes under the tax reform law.