The Philippines is considering a new general tax amnesty program and tougher rules on online gambling, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said Monday.
Speaking at the 2025 EJAP Economic Forum in Manila, Recto said the proposed amnesty would differ from a 2019 version vetoed by then-president Rodrigo Duterte, and aims to be passed within the year pending presidential or cabinet approval.
The government is also studying higher fees for online gaming operators and stricter regulations, including banning public officials from gambling online and prohibiting state-owned firms from investing in the sector.
Recto said raising the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) current 30 percent charge to 35 or 40 percent was under discussion and would not require new legislation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to convene a “semi-summit” to address online gambling concerns, Recto added.
The finance chief also confirmed an inquiry into the Government Service Insurance System’s PHP1 billion ($17.5 million) investment in DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
The Philippine Senate is set to mull proposals to ban or further regulate online gambling, with a hearing slated for August 14th.
The hearing will be headed by Erwin Tulfo, the Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Games and Amusement – an outspoken proponent of a blanket ban on online gambling in the Philippines.
The Senate committee will examine a range of draft laws and amendments that propose various regulatory or banning measures for the sector.
