POGOs have won a reprieve from a punishing franchise tax, which may stop the exodus from the country, but uncertainty over business conditions remains high.

The Department of Finance (DOF) said it will comply the Supreme Court’s order barring the imposition of franchise tax on all bets generated by Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).

The Philippines’ Supreme Court (SC) has declared with finality its decision from last year, ruling that the government's 5 percent franchise tax on gross bets from the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is unconstitutional.

The CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Katrina Ponce Enrile, told AGBrief that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)’s attempt at regulating offshore gaming operators (POGOs) “has failed.” 

A senior Philippines real estate executive is predicting a rebound in the Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) market as mobility restrictions ease.

Office vacancy rates in Metro Manila are likely to rise to 15.8 percent by the end of the year, higher than a prior forecast for 12.5 percent, due to a lack of demand from Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), property firm Colliers International said.

The Philippines says China’s crackdown and not the new fiscal regime is to blame for the exodus of POGO firms from the country.

The Philippines’ market regulator PAGCOR is pushing back against accusations that it has failed to collect enough tax from its offshore gambling operators.

PAGCOR Chair Andrea Domingo says that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that have left the country are setting up shop in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wants to ensure that officials who accepted bribes in return for preferential immigration treatment for Chinese nationals working in Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).