Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are contributing around Php94.7 billion (US$1.87 billion) to the local economy, and could reach as high as Php104 billion (US$2.05 billion) in contributions this year, according to a POGO industry group.
The Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) issued a statement this week in response to ongoing criticism of PAGCOR’s recent decision to allow POGOs to resume partial operations, with spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez insisting the industry contributes far more than just the taxes and fees collected by the government each month.
“PAGCOR says the annual collections from taxes and fees from POGOs should be around Php34 billion (US$670 million),” Gutierrez said.
“Revenues which POGOs pump into the economy are way beyond the regulatory fees and taxes directly paid to the authorities.
“We are committed to fully support the country’s roadmap to economic recovery and we hope that all sectors will pour their efforts toward this goal.”
Aside from paying Php22.4 billion (US$442 million) in corporate taxes in 2018 and 2019, Php12.25 billion (US$241 million) in employee taxes and Php9 billion (US$177 million) in permits and other fees, Gutierrez said POGO workers inject another Php33 billion (US$651 million) into the local economy annually through their daily expenses and rent.
