MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang stood by the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) move to require Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) register first with the tax agency before getting a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). The move was an effort to trace Chinese nationals working in the country’s online gaming industry. ADVERTISEMENTPresidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the proposal was a “good measure” to determine the number of Chinese nationals violating Philippine laws. The BIR earlier said that BIR registration is needed for the renewal of license to operate from the Pagcor. Under the Memorandum Circular (RMC) 78-2018, all foreign and Philippine-based POGOs, including those with offshore licenses are required to register with BIR before Pagcor licenses are renewed.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 18, 2019 09:00 UTC