Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for a permanent ban on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) before the current Congress ends in two weeks. According to him, even though there is an executive order banning POGOs, it would be better if it were enacted into law so that implementation is clear.
Gatchalian has long been a critic of POGOs, due to issues of crime, corruption, and regulatory burdens. In Senate hearings, POGOs' connections to money laundering and human trafficking also emerged.
Aside from the POGO ban, Gatchalian is also pushing for a tax increase on vape products. He said that more and more young people are using vapes, even if they were not smokers before.
He also warned against smuggling of vape products, especially incorrect or incomplete tax declarations on freebase and nicotine salt. According to Gatchalian, smugglers declare lower taxes to get away with it.
Today, the Senate committee on ways and means, of which Gatchalian is the chairman, will hold a public hearing. He also said in an interview with dzBB that he has already spoken to Senate President Francis Escudero to prioritize the two bills before Congress adjourns.
