Villanueva reminds cash-strapped government: POGOs still owe us P50B

Amid a dearth in calamity funds for provinces battered by Typhoon Rolly, Senator Joel Villanueva reminded revenue-generating agencies to shore up tax collection, beginning with exiting Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), which have yet to settle some P50 billion in tax deficiencies.

In a statement, the senator urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to ensure that it collects all pending taxes, before allowing POGOs to close shop so the government will have available funds to finance the immediate rescue and rehabilitation of communities hit hardest by Rolly.

“Bago pa po magkapandemya ay naniningil na tayo, at ilang beses na rin po natin kinalampag ang isyu ng mga POGO sa mga nakaraan na pagdinig natin,” Villanueva said.

“Hindi naman po loan o donation ang kinokoleta natin dito, kung hindi pera ng taumbayan ito sa porma ng buwis na hindi nila binayaran,” he said.

“Ngayon pong nakadapa tayo, hindi naman po siguro kalabisan na maningil tayo sa matagal na pagkakautang ng mga POGO para sa mga kababayan natin,” he added.

“Paubos na raw po ang ating pondo para sa mga biktima ng mga Bagyong Quinta at Rolly. Dapat pong mas maging determinado ang ating BIR na habulin ang utang ng mga POGO na nagkakahalaga ng P50 bilyon dahil magagamit natin ito pangtustos sa mga pangangailangan ng mga biktima ng bagyo,” added Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor committee.

“Move on na lang ba tayo sa pagkakautang ng mga POGO? Kahit po nagsasara na ang ilan sa mga POGO, dapat siguruhin ng BIR na sisingilin ng tamang buwis bago payagan isara ang kanilang mga negosyo,” he said.

In a report issued on November 2, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P254.35 million in standby funds available. At least 105,000 persons have been brought to evacuation centers in Region 5, which bore the brunt of Rolly.

On the other hand, about 39,000 individuals are taking shelter at evacuation centers in Regions 4A and 4B, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, according to the DSWD report.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)