The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will padlock 20 more colorum restaurants in the Makati, Pasay and Paranaque areas that cater exclusively to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) employees.
Initial reports reaching the office of Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Operations Arnel Guballa showed the eateries were found during tax mapping operations of declaring purchases for food, liquor and other supplies, but reporting no sale.
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 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 POGO business as they were patronized only by online gaming employees.
Local residents have lodged complaints with local authorities over the discriminatory practice of these restaurants. (Jun Ramirez)
