ASPAP vows to resolve tax issues

MANILA, Philippines – The Accredited Service Providers of PAGCOR (ASPAP) assured that payment of correct taxes to the government will be their top priority when they resume their operations.

ASPAP Spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez said the group’s members are paying the required regulatory fees, corporate taxes, and withholding taxes of its workers.

“We reiterate our unequivocal commitment to pay the appropriate tax dues imposed by the government prior to the limited reopening of the online gaming operations,” Gutierrez said in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros who called on government to tax PSPs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO Service Providers) instead of online retailers.

She said PSPs have been complying with the government’s tax laws even before the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have not sought any tax breaks or incentives since they started. 

Gutierrez added that PSPs have contributed around P94.7 billion to the local economy so far, and total contributions this year could reach P104 billion.

The ASPAP spokesperson also assured that all health and safety protocols will be observed once limited PSP operations resume.

“We wish to reassure our legislators and the public that resumption of PSP operations would not undermine quarantine protocols or pose unnecessary health risk to the community,” said Gutierrez. 

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile denied that the government is not collecting unpaid taxes from PSPs.

“We collect their taxes, Senator Risa Hontiveros. They will not be allowed to open unless they pay their taxes,” said Roque.