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By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili, Reporters
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is receptive to imposing taxes on online gaming activities as well as suggestions aimed at restricting digital gambling to assist in mitigating issues related to addiction, the Palace announced on Monday.
“The DoF’s (Department of Finance) initiative to implement a tax to help limit online gaming is intended for the benefit of Filipinos,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro informed reporters in Filipino during a news briefing. “The President recognizes the ramifications of gambling addiction, and he will support this initiative as long as it is backed by research.”
“Our aim is to restrict this form of gambling and assist those who are dependent on it. The President will endorse suggestions, including legislation, that pursue this goal… We will evaluate any proposals that Congress may pass to gauge their influence on the economy and the welfare of Filipinos.”
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto mentioned last week that they will propose a tax on online gaming and are also analyzing other policy alternatives “to prevent unrestricted and essentially unregulated access to gambling, especially digital gambling platforms.”
These potential measures include establishing limits on playtime or cash-in amounts to help avert addiction, age restrictions, and displaying explicit warnings about the dangers of gambling, Mr. Recto stated.
Ms. Castro noted that the government is also intensifying its efforts against unlicensed and illegal online gaming sites.
Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc., remarked that the DoF’s tax proposal is an “effective way to boost government revenues.”
“The (online gambling) sector is expanding rapidly,” he conveyed in a Viber message. “Whether it alleviates gambling addiction is challenging to determine, as it necessitates appropriate intervention and initiatives to advocate for responsible gaming.”
He added that an online gaming tax could act as a deterrent for new participants while assisting the government in financing its initiatives.
Multiple lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at reducing online gambling due to its growing appeal among Filipinos.
On Monday, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri expressed that he is advocating for an outright prohibition on online gambling platforms, labeling the surge of gambling addiction a “silent epidemic,” particularly among younger individuals.
“The revenue generated is not worth the societal cost. The lives of our citizens are being devastated, families are torn apart, crime is escalating, and they are sinking into debt,” Mr. Zubiri remarked, adding that lost revenues from an outright ban could reach P47 billion annually.
Senate Bill No. 142, also known as the Anti-Online Gambling Bill, aims to prohibit online gambling on mobile devices. Internet service providers would also be required to restrict public access to online gambling sites and applications.
It additionally seeks to ban the usage of electronic wallets and other digital payment methods on online gaming platforms.
The Akbayan party-list has also introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at regulating online gaming sites.
“We cannot gamble away the future of our youth. Our children must not become collateral in the jackpot aspirations of gambling magnates,” Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno stated in a release.
House Bill No. 1351, known as the Kontra E-Sugal bill, aims to implement regulations for online gambling platforms, emphasizing the necessity to protect public welfare, secure vulnerable populations, and promote responsible gambling practices.
The bill proposes to enforce stringent age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing these platforms and restrict advertising and promotion of digital gaming. It also aims to establish limits on betting and losses.
Gross gaming revenue (GGR) surged by 27.44% to P104.12 billion in the first quarter, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. previously reported, with electronic gaming surpassing physical casinos for the first time. Electronic businesses accounted for P51.39 billion or 49.36% of GGR during this period.
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