Marcos open to online gaming tax

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is open to taxing online gaming activities as well as proposals seeking to limit digital gambling to help curb the harms brought about by addiction, the Palace said on Monday.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

"The DoF's (Department of Finance) proposal to impose a tax to help restrict online gaming is for the welfare of Filipinos," Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in Filipino during a news briefing. "The President is aware of the consequences of gambling addiction, and he will not oppose this proposal as long as it is supported by studies."

"We want to limit this kind of gambling and those who are addicted to it. The President will not oppose proposals, including laws, that aim to do this... We will study any bills that will be passed by Congress to assess their impact on the economy and Filipinos' welfare."

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto last week said they will propose an online gaming tax and are also studying other policy options "to deter unimpeded and practically unrestricted access to gambling, particularly digital gambling platforms." These include imposing limits on playing time or cash-in to help prevent addiction, age restrictions, as well as displaying clear warnings about the risks of gambling, Mr. Recto said.