MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) do not comprise an essential sector since it only posed 0.23 percent of the country’s tax revenues in 2019, according to a non-profit research group. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcor) collects these fees, and Pogos only contributed 7.6% to its gross income of Php75.8 billion in 2019,” said IBON. The research group likewise, added that Pogos contribute little to the country’s employment since it employ mostly Chinese citizens. Its own data however reveal that Pogos are mainly leasing office space in buildings owned by top Philippine oligarchs,” added the research group. According to IBON, the Philippine economy could jumpstart faster by focusing on agriculture and manufacturing rather than depending on Pogos.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 05, 2020 02:01 UTC