Palace supports BIR call for registration of online businesses to collect taxes

June 11, 2020

Malacañang expressed support on Thursday on the campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue for the registration of online businesses in order for the government to collect more revenues.

Many online selling reportedly cropped up during the lockdown due to coronavirus disease pandemic.

"Well, our source of funds for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) (response measues) are those primarily coming from BIR and Customs (collections). So, while our need for COVID-19 (efforts) increases, of course, we will look for ways to increase our intake taxes," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press briefing.  

He said the Palace is asking for public understanding.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros reportedly said the government should instead focus in collecting taxes from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators than from small time online sellers.

Roque said the government is going after these POGO firms and they could not resume operations unless they pay their unpaid taxes. Celerina Monte/DMS