Jennylyn Mercado appeals to BIR to tax POGOs before online sellers

Jennylyn Mercado (Image: Instagram/@mercadojenny)

Actress and entrepreneur Jennylyn Mercado expressed empathy for fellow Filipinos who have found a way to earn money during the COVID-19 pandemic particularly through online selling.

Mercado appealed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to prioritize taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and tracking down illegal POGOs trying to evade paying taxes. The bureau recently directed online sellers to register their businesses and settle their taxes no later than July 31. Some senators questioned BIR’s move and timing, as they urged the bureau to go after “big-time tax evaders” like the owners of POGOs.

The actress echoed these lawmakers’ sentiments via Facebook yesterday, June 11. She also included screengrabs of the BIR memorandum.

“Nakakalungkot na pati pa pala online sellers itatax na ng BIR,” Mercado said. “[Kung di] ka naman kasama sa tax bracket kakailanganin pa rin kumuha ng Mayor’s permit at magregister sa DTI na gastos din.”

(It is saddening that even online sellers are going to be taxed by BIR. Even if some of them are not included in the tax bracket, they will still need to get a mayor’s permit and register with the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)—which is also costly.)

Mercado hoped that BIR would postpone taxing online sellers and focus on tracking down illegal POGOs.

“Baka pwede iba muna ang kuhanan ng pondo ng BIR,” Mercado said. “Huwag naman muna sana ang mga Pinoy na nakahanap ng paraan upang kumita ngayong [pandemya.]”

(Maybe there are other businesses where BIR could get funds. Spare for the meantime Filipinos who are only finding ways to earn during this pandemic.)

She also said people should be working together during this time as she reminded her fans to support local businesses.

https://www.facebook.com/JennylynMercadoOfficial/posts/10159663318883942

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that online sellers whose earnings are below P250,000 are exempted from paying taxes. Malacañang also expressed its support for the BIR’s directive, citing that it is among the government’s steps to strengthen tax collection to fund its COVID-19 programs.

Mercado is the co-owner of a cat cafe in Maginhawa, Quezon City, with her boyfriend and fellow actor Dennis Trillo.  /ra

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