The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has asked Philippine offshore gaming operators to register first before starting their business.
The BIR also requested the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) not to issue licenses to online gambling operator unless clearance is secured from the tax agency.
From Manila Bulletin:
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the move was a good way to ensure that all Chinese nationals in the country were not violating any laws.Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Operations Arnel Guballa explained that all foreign and Philippine-based gaming operators are now required to register under Revenue Memorandum Circular 78-2018.
Guballa said the “resident foreign corporation” stated in the circular also covers POGOs outside the Philippines.
“Online activity is sufficient to constitute doing business in the Philippines, thus, a foreign corporation engaged in POGO is considered resident foreign corporation engaged in business in the Philippines and not a non-resident foreign corporation,” he said.
Guballa added the registration is a prerequisite in the renewal of the PAGCOR permit.
The registration of offshore gaming operators shall be done with the revenue district office having jurisdiction over the place where the head office or branch is located.
“That’s a good measure to determine exactly how many Chinese nationals who are here in violation of our laws. Palagay ko maganda yung sinasabi ng BIR Commissioner (I think it is a good move by the BOR Commissioner),” he said.
Read more here: https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/18/of...-business-bir/
And here: https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/18/pa...ster-with-bir/