Philippine lawmaker proposes higher taxes on online gambling
The measure has been put forward as a potential way to generate additional government revenue.
The Philippines.- A Philippine lawmaker has proposed increasing taxes on online gambling. During a meeting of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Lapu-Lapu City Representative Junard Chan asked the Department of Finance (DOF) whether it had considered raising the existing tax on online gambling, arguing that higher taxes could raise revenue and also serve as a deterrent to excessive gambling.
The proposal emerged during discussions on how to offset the fiscal impact of a planned increase in the personal income tax exemption threshold. While the government has also suggested higher taxes on products such as sugary drinks and e-cigarettes, Chan argued that online gambling should also be considered as a potential source of additional revenue.
“Online gaming is already being taxed. But did the department study whether those taxes can still be increased?” Chan asked. DOF Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano said the department is open to proposals from Congress and will evaluate the suggestion.
