The Bureau of Internal Revenue simultaneously padlocked last Thursday 19 branches of an online cockfighting company in Quezon City for allegedly using unregistered betting machines.
BIR Deputy Commissioner for Legal Service Marissa Cabreros, who led the raiding teams composed of revenue officials and police officers, said more outlets of Manila Cockers Club Inc. located outside Quezon City and nearby provinces will also be closed for the same offense.
The unregistered electronic gadgets found inside the gaming rooms were sealed by taxmen under the supervision of Quezon City Revenue Regional Director Albin Galanza to stop the whole business.
“The operation resulted in the constructed confiscation of automated ticket dispensing and off-site cockpit betting machines used to generate bets from the public in cockfights,” Cabreros said.
She added the machines were not registered with the BIR as required under Revenue Regulations No. 7-2012.
Cabreros said the betting stations will remain closed until back taxes and fines are paid, covering mostly documentary and final withholding taxes. (Jun Ramirez)
