The Department of Finance (DOF) is eyeing to privatize the gaming operations of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as the government seeks revenues to repay debt due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Carlos Dominguez, DOF secretary, was sought for comment in a Viber group with reporters yesterday on the privatization scheme, following Sen. Franklin Drilon’s statement that government should proceed with the sale of state properties and the privatization of the gaming industry to repay the debts incurred on COVID-19 response.
Drilon said these can be done instead of burdening Filipinos with new or higher taxes next year.
“Yes, we’re prepared to work on privatization of gambling activities,” Dominguez said.
The DOF has been keen on privatizing state-run casinos to allow Pagcor to focus on its regulatory functions, but plans did not materialize.
Pagcor continues to operate its own casinos while giving licenses to private operators.
Dominguez said last week the government is eyeing additional sources of revenue in the remaining term of the administration by concentrating on improving tax administration and passing the remaining tax packages.
Drilon, however, said he will strongly oppose any plan by the country’s economic managers to impose new tax or raise taxes by 2021. – A. Celis
