The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has ruled out e-sabong as a potential replacement for the lost revenue from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the Kapihan in Manila Bay on Wednesday, August 21, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman clarified that while e-sabong has not been completely dismissed, it is not currently being considered a significant source of revenue for the government.
“Hindi ko po alam kung magkano ang revenue impact nun pero it’s definitely not included here. So, I don’t think it’s necessary for next year,” Pangandaman said.
In May 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the immediate halt of e-sabong operations due to its detrimental “social impact” on Filipinos. This total ban followed the unresolved disappearances of several e-sabong enthusiasts in the country.
Despite the ban, around 789 e-sabong operations were still active, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) during a Senate hearing last February.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address because of its involvement in criminal activities.
Data from the Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority showed that the national government would only lose around PHP7 billion in revenues if POGOs were completely shut down in the country.
To compensate for the anticipated revenue shortfall, Pangandaman mentioned the need for improved government efficiency and better tax collection.
He mentioned that the government is making strides toward achieving its goal of reducing the budget deficit to 3.7 percent by the end of the Marcos administration’s term in 2028.
“We are consistently on track with that. Pababa po ng pababa ang ating deficit. Meaning, tumataas ang revenues, lumalaki ang ekonomiya,” Pangandaman said. (TCSP)
