The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will padlock 20 more colorum restaurants in the Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque areas that cater exclusively to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) employees.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (MANILA BULLETIN)

Initial reports reaching the office of Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Operations Arnel Guballa showed that the eateries were found to be declaring purchases for food, liquor, and other supplies but were not reporting any sale during tax mapping operations

Point-of-sale (POS) or cash register machines were not only registered but bore Chinese characters.

Guballa temporarily withheld the names of the offenders pending the serving of the closure order.

Early this month, the BIR shuttered separately 10 POGO restaurants in Makati, Pasay, and Las Pinas for non-registration and non-payment of value-added tax.

They are considered part of the POGO business as they were patronized only by online gaming employees.

Local residents have lodged complaints with the local authorities over the discriminatory practice of these restaurants.

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/