Solon favors tax on lotto, casino winnings

Congressman Miro Quimbo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

THE HEAD of the House ways and means committee is in favor of imposing taxes on lotto and casino operations as endorsed by the National Tax Research Center (NTRC).

Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo said Congress should reassess whether the tax perks granted to the lotto business of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and casino operators of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) were beneficial to the state compared to the revenues and jobs they create.

“Lottery winnings should be taxed. All over the world it’s taxed. Why should we be different?” said Quimbo in a text message.

Quimbo also noted that the special privileges granted to Pagcor’s casino operations “are considered by the Constitution as contrary to public good.”

“It’s time to review these tax privileges that they enjoy. Instead of being regulated, the tax system actually imposed a lower tax on them over ordinary corporations that generate more jobs,” said Quimbo.

In a report titled “Profile and Taxation of Selected Gambling and Betting Activities in the Philippines,” the NTRC cited the “unequal tax treatment” on games of chance in the country. Gil Cabacungan