President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called for the immediate enactment of bills taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) and creating the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos, palace spokesman Harry Roque said.
“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 2232, entitled ‘An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, Amending for the Purpose Sections 22, 25, 27, 28 and Adding a New Section 125-A of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, As Amended, and For Other Purposes,’” Roque said.
Roque said that Duterte hoped to generate “much-needed revenues” and place the POGO industry under stricter government oversight through the bill.
The government could generate about P122 billion revenue over the next four years from the measure, House ways and means panel chairperson and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda earlier said.
About 60 POGO operators have licenses to operate in the country.
Duterte also certified as urgent Senate Bill 2234, “An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos.”
Roque said the bill would provide a more efficient, “whole-of-government” approach to protect the rights and promote the welfare and interest of overseas Filipinos.
Duterte has been calling for the creation of the department since his campaign for presidency. John Ezekiel J. Hirro