Bayanihan 2 to raise P17.5-B from POGO

The Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) is expected to raise P17.5 billion from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), more than doubling last year's estimated collection of P7 billion.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon attributes this increase to a provision in the law that imposes a 5% franchise tax on gross bets or minimum monthly revenues, whichever is higher.

This change will yield additional revenue for the government as Bayanihan 2 can only fund up to P140 billion of the P165.5 billion stimulus package.