Earlier this year, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno had asked if the country was so desperate that it could not let go of the revenues from POGOs.
At the Senate, it looks like the total ban on POGOs is finally gaining support. Last Tuesday, the Senate ways and means committee recommended the permanent expulsion of POGOs, to help maintain peace and order and sustain economic growth. Balisacan expressed support for the Senate committee report, saying the country must attract “legitimate… good… quality investments” that produce goods and services and promote the social aspects of development.
These are law enforcement problems calling for law enforcement solutions, according to a lawmaker who believes the country can use revenues from offshore gaming. But officials have also admitted that POGOs are paying only a fraction of correct taxes. Balisacan, the director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, is confident that new investments can replace revenues that will be lost once POGOs are shut down.