Philippines' Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Minister Amenah Pangandaman on Wednesday (August 21) rejected the proposal to revive electronic cockfighting (e-sabong) to compensate for the revenue loss caused by the comprehensive ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Pangandaman stated at the Kapihan forum in Manila Bay, "I am not clear on the extent of its revenue impact, but it is definitely not in the budget plan for next year. So I think it is unnecessary to consider this proposal next year."
Pangandaman cited studies from the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), indicating that the national government would lose about 7 billion pesos in revenue following the complete shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. She mentioned that the government's efficiency and tax collection could compensate for the anticipated revenue loss.
She also added that the government is gradually achieving the goal of reducing the budget deficit to 3.7% by the end of President Marcos' term in 2028. It was also emphasized that the overall health of the Philippine economy is "good".
Former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the immediate termination of the electronic cockfighting business in May 2022, due to its "social impact" on Filipinos. The comprehensive ban was implemented against the backdrop of unresolved cases of missing electronic cockfighting enthusiasts in the Philippines.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) revealed in a Senate hearing in February this year that despite the ban, about 789 electronic cockfighting operations were still actively operating.
