Manila: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) sealed and confiscated 297 betting machines, computerized betting units, servers, and other devices without the required Permit to Use (PTU) during simultaneous enforcement operations on 11 cockpit arenas on Aug. 8.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations were conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza reminded cockpit operators that they must ensure that machines and equipment used to record betting transactions comply with BIR requirements.

Mendoza stated, "Betting transactions must be properly recorded, and the machines used for them must be properly registered with the BIR. We will continue checking cockpit operations nationwide and take appropriate action when we find violations."

Following the operations, BIR reported that cockpit operators began registering previously unregistered machines and settling the corresponding penalties and taxes as part of the process for their unsealing or release. The BIR is also validating machine readings and transaction records to determine whether additional taxes are due.

Mendoza added, "We are expanding these operations nationwide. I have directed all Revenue Regions and Revenue District Offices to identify and verify operational cockpit arenas in their areas."