Manila extends restrictions until August 15
Authorities have announced that general community quarantine (GCQ) in Manila will be extended until August 15 due to a rise in cases of the delta variant of Covid-19.
The Philippines.- As the delta variant of Covid-19 spreads in The Philippines, Manila’s city government has decided to extend the current general community quarantine (GCQ) until August 15.
Countermeasures were supposed to end on July 31, but authorities called an emergency meeting to discuss mitigation strategies against the spread of the variant, coordinating with hospitals and the city’s Health Department.
Only those between 18-65 years of age are allowed to leave their place of residence, and only selected businesses are permitted to open.
The Ministry of Health has reported 7,024 new Covid-19 cases in the country during the last 24 hours.
Although Manila is under GCQ with heightened restrictions, casinos were allowed to resume operating at a reduced capacity in May. However, Okada Manila’s casino is currently closed.
The casino operator has recently announced the launch of a free programme to vaccinate all of its staff against Covid-19 by the fourth quarter of 2021. The company will work in partnership with AC Health to vaccinate more than 5,700 team members.
Byron Yip, Okada Manila’s president, said: “Having our team members and their loved ones vaccinated won’t just keep them safer from the threat of Covid-19, this will also give them some peace of mind during this unprecedented and unpredictable time.
As for City of Dreams Manila and Solaire’s casino, the first is open by invitation only while the second is open to members only.
POGOs tax to be approved with minor changes
The bill under which Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) must pay 5 per cent tax on their gross gaming revenue looks set to be approved with minor changes.
According to the Department of Finance, one of the changes will require all foreign POGO employees to have a tax identification number. The other change prevents the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport from issuing new POGO licences.
Under the new bill, those licences that are currently registered will be under the purview of PAGCOR.
The bill states that POGOs will have to pay 5 per cent on gross gaming revenue. Foreigners employed in online casinos and their service providers must pay 25 per cent income tax.
