Revenue loss from POGO ban not significant–Gatchalian

SENATOR Win Gatchalian said that the government’s revenue loss from banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is not that significant.

The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means disclosed that based on actual revenue collection reported by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), POGOs remitted PHP10.32 billion while the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) generated an income of only P5.17 billion in 2023. Using the average annual growth rate, BIR collection from POGOs is expected to reach only P16.08 billion while PAGCOR is expected to generate an income of only PHP5.95 billion from the industry this year.

Meanwhile, local workers employed by POGOs total 25,064 based on data sourced by the Labor Department from PAGCOR.

“POGOs have been lobbying to create an impression that they generate substantial revenues but that is not the case,” Gatchalian said.

He added that to ensure the ban on POGOs continues beyond the term of President Marcos Jr., the Senate Committee on Ways and Means is pursuing legislation to enforce such a ban.

According to him, local government units (LGUs) also play a critical role in effectively implementing a ban on POGOs.