Category: Business Mirror

NOTHING feels more taxing than paying taxes. Years ago, tax compliance involved filing a leave from work, spending hours in line at a Revenue District Office to process paperwork and wondering where the hard-earned money would eventually go.

Taxes are considered the lifeblood of the government as the money collected by the government funds critical programs and projects, such as infrastructure, education, health and social services that go back to the people.

From a paper-based system to an online or electronic system, the government is banking on digitalization for faster and smoother processes and more efficient use of public funds.

‘100 percent digital by 2028’

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto told BusinessMirror that digitalization has already transformed how the government facilitates tax administration.

Digitalization has improved the government’s ability to increase its revenue collection, reduce corruption and make processes more transparent, Recto said.

This initiative takes shape while the Department of Finance (DOF) is tasked with revenue generation, resource mobilization and fiscal management.

This year, the DOF must collect P12.72 billion in revenues a day and borrow P4.68 billion to finance the government’s daily expenditures worth P17.40 billion.

By 2026, these figures will rise to P13.65 billion in daily revenues, with an additional P4.51 billion to be borrowed to fund the government’s spending of P18.61 billion a day.

Across the DOF and its attached agencies, digital systems are implemented to reduce friction, increase transparency, deliver faster services, and optimize efficiency.

‘We’re achieving a lot already,’ Recto said, noting that digitalization is a ‘continuing thing’ as technology keeps evolving.

Next year, the DOF, including its attached agencies, is seeking a budget of P6.9 billion for digitalization and modernization initiatives alone to transform their processes and integrate systems.

Recto said the primary tax-collecting agencies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Customs (BOC), will be receiving the largest share.

‘Hopefully, before the term of the President ends in 2028, we can achieve 100 percent digitalization,’ Recto said.

‘It’s very important and it’s a priority of the President and that’s what we’re doing,’ he added.

BIR’s digitalization roadmap

THE BIR is notorious when it comes to long and tedious processes, and this has fueled frustration among individuals and businesses: part of why the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act was passed into law.

The EOPT Act allows most of the tax processes to be done online, with taxpayers filing their returns and paying their taxes either electronically or manually.

Under the law, the BIR is mandated to adopt an integrated digitalization strategy by providing automated end-to-end solutions for the benefit of taxpayers.

Specifically, the BIR must develop an EOPT and Digitalization (DX) Roadmap to ensure ease of compliance with tax laws, rules, and regulations, such as the adoption of simplified tax returns, streamlining of tax processes, reduction of tax or documentary requirements, and digitalization of BIR services.

The DX roadmap aims to make the BIR data-driven, build a digitally empowered workforce, deploy scalable digital infrastructure, and deliver services that enhance taxpayer experience.

Based on the BIR’s latest DX roadmap, the BIR aims to have completed all major digital reforms across the organization, backbone systems, data governance and data management, and taxpayers’ services by end-2027.

The year 2028 is purely for stabilizing, maintaining and sustaining its digital ecosystem.

Key DX projects include the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) for taxpayer registration, the Electronic One-Time Transaction System (eONETT) for eCARs in property sales and donations, and the Electronic Tax Clearance System (eTCS) for online tax clearance certificates.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. told BusinessMirror that while full digital adoption will take time, given varying internal and taxpayer capabilities, the BIR remains guided in its goal of becoming fully digital by 2028.

‘The BIR continues to prioritize platforms that directly impact taxpayer experience and revenue collection efficiency. High importance is placed on initiatives that simplify and streamline core processes, such as registration, filing, and payment,’ Lumagui said.

Taxpayer experience at the core

MODERNIZATION and digitalization within the BIR began before the DX Program.

During Commissioner Liwayway Vinzons-Chato’s term in 1994, the Tax Computerization Project was launched, establishing a modern and computerized Integrated Tax System and Internal Administration System.

It was only in 2019 when the BIR started its digital transformation journey, marking the beginning of planning and strategizing for the DX program, with the implementation of projects starting in 2020 onwards.

According to the BIR, over 90 percent of returns filed each year have been filed through electronic channels since 2020.

Data obtained by BusinessMirror showed that from January to July 2025, 95 percent or 21.91 million out of 23.05 million returns were filed electronically.

Meanwhile, 85 percent or P1.32 trillion out of the P1.56 trillion of BIR’s revenue collection as of end-July were from ePayments.

Business processes in the BIR-from registration, filing, payment, and enforcement-already have online facilities to reduce manual transactions, avoid errors, and cut processing time.

By digitalizing BIR processes, Lumagui said this fosters voluntary compliance among taxpayers since convenience is provided through online access.

‘Digitalization puts BIR in a better position to leverage data for decision-making, enforcement and fraud detection, taxpayer support, and possible improvements to existing policies,’ Lumagui said.

BOC: Full integration by 2027

THE BOC, responsible for collecting customs duties and taxes, is also on a clear trajectory towards full digitalization.

The BOC seeks to minimize human intervention in critical processes, such as importer assessments and payment processing, through digitalization and the use of standardized tools.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno told BusinessMirror that the BOC is targeting the full integration of all customs systems by 2027.

‘We are directed by the President to modernize the processes of the BOC, and digitalization is at the center of this transformation,’ Nepomuceno said.

According to Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, the BOC is not yet fully digitalized despite its 96.99 percent digitalization rate.

‘We are digitalized but not yet integrated,’ Maronilla told BusinessMirror, and explained that while the Customs Processing System (CPS) accepts online submissions, it is not yet linked directly to the Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) Customs System, which processes customs transactions.

Maronilla said this fragmentation still requires Customs officers to manually cross-check between systems and scanned documents, such as certificates, packing lists, and waybills.

In addition, payments of duties and taxes can only be made after a final assessment, which delays collections and leaves room for disputes or enforcement issues, Maronilla said.

With automation, the system can already issue an initial assessment based on declared values, so importers can pay promptly, and any discrepancies can be settled within a day or two.

This shift will not only accelerate government revenues but also give the DOF and the Development Budget Coordination Committee more accurate data on import values and volumes, Maronilla added.

With the BOC digitalizing 161 out of the 166 customs procedures, Maronilla said the full integration of systems can be achieved.

‘We already have the platforms for integration and the vital services that we need are already integrated there,’ Maronilla added.

Digitalization as an anti-corruption tool

CORRUPTION has been a long-standing problem in the BOC, with the agency often tagged as ‘most corrupt.’

By digitalizing its services and processes, Maronilla said the BOC will put an end to this debate.

The BOC believes that digitalization will solve the problem of corruption within the agency, but they will never be sure unless they do it, Maronilla added.

‘I believe that if discretion is removed through full digitalization, then corruption is minimized. Discretion breeds corruption, so if we can’t eliminate it, we can at least reduce it to the barest minimum,’ Maronilla said.

‘That is why digitalization is not only about fast-tracking processes or modernizing the bureau-it is also our most logical path as an anti-corruption tool,’ he added.

Stuck in the system

DESPITE the achievements in digitalizing tax administration, challenges persist within the collecting agencies.

According to Senen Quizon, tax principal at Deloitte Philippines, taxpayers face system downtimes during peak filing and lack immediate access to support for common problems such as login issues, tax filing errors, and payment issues.

Quizon told BusinessMirror that delays in releasing revised tax forms due to new legislation add to the burden, as well as the posting of advisories and workaround procedures.

Compliance through the submission of attachments is likewise available on the online portal, he added.

For the BIR, Lumagui said hurdles include resistance to change from both taxpayers and internal stakeholders, as well as outdated and fragmented data.

To address these bottlenecks, the BIR is investing in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and modern solutions such as cloud technology and APIs, while also tapping external expertise and solution providers.

Limited internet access in remote areas is another challenge, prompting BIR to upgrade its IT infrastructure in its regional offices and set up eLounges where taxpayers can use computers for free to access online services.

‘BIR is committed to inclusive digitalization, ensuring no one is left behind,’ Lumagui said.

On cybersecurity threats, Lumagui said the bureau is strengthening safeguards through regular vulnerability assessments, policy updates, and procurement of security tools.

Apart from these, the lack of funding and personnel are among the persistent problems in the BIR, according to BIR Planning and Management Service Assistant Commissioner Beverly S. Milo.

Over at the BOC, Nepomuceno said the solution is for the bureau to be fully digitalized and its entire range of procedures automated-from filing, assessment, payment, release, and accreditation process.

Analytics and artificial intelligence must also be applied, he added. However, the problem lies in the timetable for implementing these solutions.

‘We want this done immediately, but procurement processes take time. What I can guarantee is that our acquisition will be highly competitive and transparent,’ Nepomuceno said.

As a whole, the Philippines is ‘lagging’ in tax administration digitalization, compared to other ASEAN countries, according to Quizon.

The rollout of some key digital initiatives of the BIR has been delayed by funding constraints and a lack of infrastructure.

Still, Quizon said these emerging technologies are crucial in modernizing the country’s tax collection system, particularly in system integration, tax compliance data utilization, and transaction transparency enhancement.

‘These constraints can eventually be addressed once the government rolls out full digitalization for tax compliance processes, which will focus on digital transformation and include modernization of systems and addressing of operational gaps,’ Quizon said.

So where do taxes go?

AMID these challenges hounding the government’s shift to digitalization to modernize revenue collection, Quizon said a fully realized digital tax administration in the Philippines is attainable.

However, this hinges on the government’s capacity to fund infrastructure that will house the needed technologies to advance the system and build the tax ecosystem, he added.

The BIR said it plans to develop a centralized digital platform that will serve as a one-stop hub for taxpayers to manage all their tax-related transactions.

Lumagui said the platform will feature personalized dashboards, allowing users to easily access and monitor their registration details, compliance status, and other relevant tax information.

Over the next five to 10 years, Quizon said the government could further leverage digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve taxpayer service.

‘Digitalization is poised to significantly reshape taxpayer compliance and government revenue collection in the Philippines,’ Quizon said.

While the BIR utilizes data mainly for analysis and directional insights, Quizon said the goal is to build a fully integrated tax ecosystem, with e-invoicing at its core to ensure the seamless flow of transaction data to tax authorities.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a major role in analyzing vast data to boost compliance and strengthen enforcement, Quizon added.

Good things come to those who wait.

That is what reggae artist Jeck Pilpil is feeling right now. After all, this 2025 is a big year for him and his band, Peacepipe.

Their sixth full-length album Reggae Soul Medication, is coming out this week as a digital release by Tuff Gong records.

Yes, that Tuff Gong Records formed by the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1970. Furthermore, the album will receive a vinyl release through local independent record label, Eikon Records.

‘My goal has always been to push Filipino reggae music to an international stage,’ said the 48-year old Pilpil. ‘I wanted to see if a Filipino could create songs ready for the international reggae arena.’

The first label Jeck approached was Giddimani Records which is based in the United States of America and Jamaica. They responded with interest in working on an album.

Pilpil also reached out to VP Records as well as global giant Island Records but received no response.

Finally, he contacted Tuff Gong International, today owned and operated by Bob Marley’s family, and waited a month before receiving a reply. The label expressed their interest in distributing the album worldwide. When Tuff Gong sent the contract, Jeck didn’t hesitate to sign.

‘I remember crying in front of my wife while signing the contract. It was too big for me to handle. But I believe my faith is bigger than my fear, so I prayed and gave thanks to the Almighty Father for this wonderful gift,’ Jeck Pilpil shared.

As for the record release, Pilpil approached Eikon Records with whom he had been talking to as far back as before the pandemic.

‘The timing had to be right,’ pointed out Pilpil. ‘And the timing couldn’t be better.’

‘Our music on vinyl opens us up to a different audience.’ Their previous albums Peacepipe, Mabuhay Revolution, Rasta Salute, Inhale Positivity Exhale Negativity, and Set It Free on compact disc and streaming.

‘It feels like all the hard work and patience is paying off.’

Jeck Pilpil and Peacepipe are Jeck Pilpil on vocals and guitar, Ryan Santos on trombone, Reagan Jackson on trumpet, Burn Belacho on lead guitar, Teejay Cesario on bass guitar, Leal Nanca on keyboards, and Jaydee Abugan and Borga San Juan on drums.

Tuff Gong will release Reggae Soul Medication on all digital platforms this Saturday, October 11, while the record will be out this January 2026 from Eikon Records.

EVERYONE has at least taken a chance on something. Some take a chance on love and relationships, starting a business, pursuing further studies, moving to a new city, or investing in the stock market.

In the Philippines, where people cling to hope dearly, Filipinos take chances to temporarily let go of all uncertainties clouding them.

For others, it comes in the form of playing games of chance for money, or simply put, gambling-a social activity that has been around the country since at least the 16th century.

From cockfighting to bingo, gambling has turned into a new structure-one that seems impossible to pause and even put a stop to.

FOR EA Quijano, a 44-year-old businessman, it all began when he lent some cash to a friend with money troubles.

When he eventually found out that his friend had become addicted to gambling, Quijano wondered why people were becoming drawn to these games of chance.

What was supposed to be just a look-simple ‘try lang’-turned into something hard to resist.

‘This is ironic because I really don’t like gambling,’ Quijano told BusinessMirror.

However, what started with just a few clicks to bet P1 became P5, P100, P1,000, and P5,000 until he ended up usually gambling P10,000 for just one bet.

According to a study conducted by Filipino-focused sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall, curiosity, boredom, and peer influence are the top reasons for trying online gambling.

‘Imagine, saan ka makakakita ng pumindot ng P50,000? Hindi na kasi namin nakikita ‘yung value ng pera especially pag online siya. Tingin mo coins lang siya na pwedeng ipangtaya [Where else can you just click away P50,000? We don’t really see the value of money anymore, especially when it’s online. You just think of it as coins you can bet with,’ Quijano said.

Since his money is stored in his e-wallet and online bank account, it makes it so much more disposable. Quijano said that if only he could grasp his physical money, he would realize its value and see how much it could buy.

But because gambling with a click is so much easier than physically taking out money from one’s pocket, he ended up losing more than P1.2 million by just playing slot machines through an online casino platform.

‘I don’t feel like P1 million is a lot of money because I’m already hooked on gambling,’ Quijano said.

While there was a point where he won more than P300,000, the losses still outweigh the gains.

‘Since it’s an addiction, you lose control. Once you are there, as long as you have money, you will continue to gamble,’ Quijano said.

For some people, it’s the promise of winning the jackpot that keeps them hooked. But for Quijano, the flashing and vibrant colors and hypnotic sounds keep him glued to the screen from night until morning.

He admitted that although he knows his triggers, there are still some days when he would give in and gamble a little.

Gambling addiction: A brain disease

According to addiction psychiatrist Dr. Reneé Celeste Obra-Puno, online gambling or addiction, in general, is a brain disease.

Obra-Puno explained to BusinessMirror that addiction is a chronic, lifelong, long-term disease.

‘It’s a cycle of getting better, then relapsing, getting better, then relapsing,’ she said, noting that there is a rewiring in the brain and a surge of dopamine.

Dopamine, a powerful chemical, is the pleasure neurotransmitter in the brain that makes people happy.

However, Obra-Puno said that people are not meant to have abnormally high levels of dopamine in the brain’s reward center.

‘Even if you want to stop, your brain has already changed, making it difficult to control that impulse. Sometimes, it becomes compulsive,’ Obra-Puno said.

‘It’s not because you don’t have will power, it’s not because you don’t have morality, it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. It just means that you have a brain disease like any other medical disease. It’s hard to control it on your own,’ she stressed.

This kind of addiction not only destroys the life of the person who gambles but also their loved ones and the whole family.

‘There definitely is a rise in patients coming asking for help with online gambling. Sometimes, it’s not just them but also their families because they are desperate,’ Obra-Puno said, adding that their workplace or schools also step in.

‘Exponential growth’

ACCORDING to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), nearly a million Filipinos, or approximately 900,000, play daily on online gambling platforms.

This figure forms part of the 32.117 million registered electronic gaming accounts as of June 15, 2025, including multiple registrations by the same individual across different platforms. This increased by 291.3 percent from 8.208 million registered in 2024.

Back in 2018, there were only 469,000 registrations, but this continued to grow to 767,000 in 2021; 1.447 million in 2022; and 2.445 million in 2023.

‘Online gaming has grown exponentially in the past two to three years, and I attribute that to technology,’ Pagcor Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco said in a previous hearing at the House of Representatives.

During the pandemic and even right after, Tengco said people used the advancements in technology to play and gamble online, noting that this is not only happening in the Philippines but all over the world.

Based on The Fourth Wall’s study, 2022 to 2024 are the peak onboarding years in online gambling, and such was traced to the strong influence of lockdowns, digital migration, and possibly increased advertising and social influence during that period.

Most players shifted from informal or unregulated street gambling environments, such as cockfights, perya, or social media betting, with a small fraction coming from land-based casinos, according to the study.

The sheer convenience in playing games of chance through phones, turning them into casinos instead of going to one, has made gambling addiction harder to treat.

‘It’s so easy. You just turn on your phone and as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can use it 24/7,’ Obra-Puno said.

Lawmakers roll the dice

WITH online gambling becoming more accessible to everyone, particularly to those below the legal gambling age of 21 years old, lawmakers in both houses of Congress are at a crossroads.

Some lawmakers are backing the calls for an outright ban on online gambling, while others want stricter regulation.

But ultimately, their shared goal is to safeguard Filipinos, especially those most vulnerable, from the devastating fallout of online gambling, from financial ruin and mental health problems to broken families, crime, and fraud.

What complicates this decision is the fact that online gaming has undeniably been generating far more revenue for the government than traditional land-based casinos and integrated resorts.

According to Pagcor data, gross gaming revenue (GGR) from electronic games increased by 82 percent, rising from merely P16.545 billion in 2021 to P30.242 billion in 2022.

This further surged by 165 percent to P154.517 billion in 2024 from P58.162 billion in 2023.

During the first quarter of 2025, electronic games became the Philippine gaming industry’s top revenue driver for the first time, contributing P51.38 billion or almost half of the P104.12-billion total GGR for the period.

In the first semester of this year, Pagcor’s revenues went up by 14 percent to P59 billion from P51.8 billion year-on-year, propelled by the e-games sector, which contributed P35 billion and surpassed the contribution of land-based operations for the first time as well.

This strong revenue stream enabled Pagcor to increase its contributions to nation-building to P38.1 billion, with P23.61 billion coming from online gaming, benefiting various sectors, such as universal healthcare and sports.

It is important to note that Pagcor’s role goes beyond regulating the country’s gaming industry-it is also tasked with generating sources of additional revenue to fund government programs and contribute to nation-building.

Pagcor estimates that online gaming will contribute P102.66 billion to nation-building in 2025, broken down into P60 billion in license fees, P28.44 billion as the government’s share, and P14.22 billion for universal healthcare.

Tengco said that 62 percent of Pagcor’s current revenue mix comes from online gaming.

Pagcor’s bet: stricter regulation

WHILE online gaming offers significant economic benefits, Tengco said that Pagcor must never lose sight of its foremost obligation, which is protecting people.

‘We at Pagcor are the first to recognize that revenues can never outweigh the risks of problem gambling and its social costs,’ Tengco added.

Amid the legislators’ call for stricter regulation and even an outright ban on online gambling, Tengco said, ‘Pagcor is for stricter regulation and not for a total ban.’

‘A ban would cost the government billions in revenue, eliminate thousands of jobs, and leave consumers defenseless against illegal operations,’ he added.

Technology and internet access, Tengco said, can never be rolled back, and the best safeguard is to provide regulated, legal alternatives for those who want to play online.

‘Together with our industry partners, we aim to assure policymakers that online gaming can be responsibly managed, and can contribute to growth while ensuring an important facet, that is, ensuring public welfare,’ Tengco said.

Licensed online gaming operators also backed Pagcor and called for stronger regulation rather than a total prohibition on online gaming to protect players while ensuring that the economy will continue to thrive.

They said that a complete ban will drive players into the black market, where unlicensed and unregulated operators flourish unchecked, and will not stop Filipinos from playing.

According to Pagcor, only 40 percent are legal in the local online gaming industry. The remaining 60 percent are illegal and operate outside the Philippines, including Russia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cambodia, Singapore, among others, targeting Filipinos.

‘They give them so much room for Filipino players to become more addicted,’ Tengco said, adding that these illegal operators provide bonuses to players by multiplying their deposit.

Revenues down

WHILE debates in both houses of Congress are ongoing to find a way to curb online gambling, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has ordered e-wallets to sever links to online gambling platforms to reduce the risks of addiction, fraud, and financial harm.

E-wallets, such as GCash and Maya, fully complied with the BSP’s directives to unlink from online gambling platforms.

The delinking resulted in a 50-percent decline in online gaming transactions within three days of the Central Bank’s order.

‘The BSP’s directive is fully aligned with Pagcor’s mandate as well as calls for a more responsible and tighter-regulated online gaming industry. We do, however, recognize that such measures may result in a decline in revenues,’ Pagcor told BusinessMirror.

As a result, Pagcor’s net income and contributions to nation building are also expected to experience some ‘adjustments’ as a result of stricter regulations by the BSP, it said.

‘We saw this when the BSP directed all e-wallets and banks under its jurisdiction to remove links to online gaming platforms. This negatively affected the income generated from online gaming,’ Pagcor added.

Tax online gambling?

IN July, the Department of Finance (DOF), mandated to generate and manage the financial resources of the government, proposed an online gambling tax by increasing the rate at which the government collects from licensed operators’ GGR to keep operators in check while collecting more revenues.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that raising the rate by an additional 10 percent, to a total of 48 percent, could result in an extra P20 billion in revenues for the government each year.

Licensed operators remit about 30 percent of their GGR to Pagcor as license fees, plus a 10-percent audit fee on Pagcor’s share, or around 3 percent of GGR. They also pay a 5-percent franchise tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, in addition to corporate taxes, business taxes, and employee withholding and social contributions.’

Banning online gambling would not only result in losing much-needed revenues, but would also encourage operators to engage in illegal activities, Recto said.

The BIR holds a similar view: a total ban on online gambling will result in billions of foregone revenues, which will be a challenge for the agency tasked with generating the majority of tax revenues.

‘We believe that the DOF’s proposal needs to be studied further,’ Pagcor told BusinessMirror, stressing that lowering the license fees of legal online gaming operators has significantly increased the revenue collected by the government.

‘Increasing tax rates now could potentially undo the results of our previous efforts,’ it added.

Pagcor said it lowered license fees primarily to draw grey market operators under its regulatory framework and thus ensure compliance, accountability, consumer protection, and higher revenue for the government.

Before 2023, Pagcor said license fees exceeded 50 percent of GGR, fueling the underground market, which even outperformed legal operators.

It reduced the fees to make licensed operators more competitive and attract grey market players into compliance by lowering the rates to 35 percent by the end of 2024, then to 30 percent for e-games and 25 percent for integrated resorts this year.

Maybe not

NOW, the DOF is reconsidering its proposal to tax online gambling.

‘We’re not there right now,’ Recto told BusinessMirror recently.

The Finance chief said that the first move to take e-wallets out of online gambling platforms to tighten controls on the sector caused a drop in Pagcor’s revenues. ‘That’s why we’re not talking about taxes at this point.’

Recto said Pagcor can do taxation itself since it does not require new legislation.

For its part, Pagcor said that stronger regulations, coupled with reasonable and well-calibrated tax policies, ultimately create a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable industry.

‘This benefits not only compliant operators and investors, but also protects the Filipino

people,’ it said.

What’s next

WITH the government scrambling to address the worsening flood control crisis in the country, the clamor over online gambling has gone quiet.

However, for Quijano, who still has access to online gambling platforms despite trying his best to stay away from them, a total ban is the solution.

”Yung mga ordinaryong Pilipino na lulong na, wala pang suporta, tapos ilulubog pa ng gobyerno mo, kawawa sila,’ he said. ‘Iniisip kasi ng gobyerno na sayang ‘yung revenues, pero incompetent kasi sila.’

If a total ban is not possible, then all advertisements should be taken down, including telemarketing and celebrities promoting gambling.

From a psychiatric standpoint, Obra-Puno said that before people become addicted to gambling, exposure must be prevented, especially for those who are vulnerable.

Those below 21 years old who are at risk must also be educated about the harmful effects of online gambling, as well as gambling and addiction as a whole.

Since the prefrontal cortex of the brain is not yet developed until the mid-twenties, they cannot make sound judgments, and the chances of developing a ‘very bad’ addiction are ‘very high,’ Obra-Puno explained.

To also curb actual and potentially problematic online gambling behavior, she said, having a policy to limit daily or weekly cash-ins will help.

For now, Pagcor is reinforcing player protection through enhancing identity checks by having two layers of electronic Know-Your-Customer, strengthening the National Database of Restricted Persons, and having stricter advertising standards.

Tengco said a 24/7 helpline will be launched soon for problem gamblers to have someone to talk to, as well as a portal powered by artificial intelligence identifying all illegal online gaming websites, with an average of one illegal online website being identified every second.

‘We are continuously exploring AI tools for behavioral monitoring, fraud prevention, and self-exclusion,’ he said.

Online gambling can be either a shot at luck or a slide into ruin for players. For policymakers, it’s a lifeline and a looming social threat.

How the country gambles to strike a balance will shape not just the industry, but the lives of millions of Filipinos caught in the game.

Creating a sustainable home doesn’t have to happen overnight. Often, the most meaningful transformations begin with simple, intentional choices. At SM Store, you’ll find Green Finds-eco-friendly picks from SM Home-that support a greener lifestyle and allow you to create a greener home.

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Building a greener home doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about making conscious decisions-room by room, shelf by shelf. From choosing Kawit baskets to switching to organic sprays, every Green Find makes a difference. Discover how easy it is to live more sustainably. Visit The SM Store and look for the Green Finds badge at SM Home. With every thoughtful choice, you can transform your home into a space that’s not only beautiful but also kinder to the planet

WHAT makes Season 88 of the University Athletic Association (UAAP) interesting to watch?

First off, unpredictability. In past seasons it was clear from Day 1, or even back to the pre-season, that certain teams would dominate the field. From 2008 to 2012, the Ateneo Blue Eagles wore the crown and held the scepter, prompting rival coaches of the seven other UAAP teams to say ‘Ateneo’ as their pick to win it all at the end of tournaments.

After the Blue Eagles were dethroned, a period followed where the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons were dominant, finally winning the crown after 35 years in Season 84, then appearing in the finals for five consecutive seasons, finally winning it all again in Season 87-showing how Gold-en the UP basketball program has become.

De La Salle University also stamped its class, owning Season 86, played for all the marbles in Season 87, but fell short come finals time. Still La Salle was always the team to watch as it rebuilt and recruited, getting star acquisitions in this year’s pre-season to become the team to beat for Season 88, according to pundits.

But no. Come opening day, the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers came off the starting gates like a couple of bats out a’ hell. The National University (NU) Bulldogs, long heartbroken with almost-made-it performances, kept pace with Ateneo in the win-loss charts in their best-ever start in the tournament in years. And defending champs UP had a horrendous start at the Pontifical University’s Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Three weeks in, the placements in the UAAP men’s basketball rankings are as wobbly as activated seismic needles. No one can really tell who’s going where-except for the Eagles who have maintained a perfect 4-0 record at this writing. All the other teams are canceling themselves out, adding to the uncertainty of each team’s fortunes this season.

The suspense is killing us!

The next interest factor? Rivalries. The Ateneo-La Salle Battle last weekend sent tectonic waves throughout the MOA Arena as classico fans turned up en masse for this much-missed match-up. With both teams now armed to the teeth with formidable personnel, it was a balanced contest worthy of the hype and pandemonium. Nothing can match the ‘gigil’ elicited by Ateneo-La Salle.

But beyond the Blue-Green rivalry, there are other rivalries that have sprung up and captured the imagination of collegiate fans. The Battle of Katipunan for one (Ateneo vs UP), the Battle of Sampaloc (UST vs NU), Battle of The East (Far Eastern University vs University of the East), Battle of the (Blue) Birds (Ateneo vs Adamson University), Battle of Church and State (UST vs UP) and the very hot, real rivalry between UP and De La Salle U, temporarily tagged as The New Age Rivalry.

These feelings of grudge, enmity and competition provide the extra oomph and ‘angas’ to the other kind of rivalry between fans going on in the stands.

Thirdly, the quality of competition. Collegiate games are loved and followed because they always have that one element not always seen in every game. Emotion. Call it by its other names: passion, going all out, school spirit. All of that is present in every game played in front of a loud and loyal crowd where every rebound, dribble, pass and shot is made with the community in mind.

School spirit is the X Factor in collegiate games. It is derived from the athletes’ and their school’s virtual parent-child relationship. It is driven by the school yells, the colors, the distinct drum beats and the presence of a familiar crowd of classmates, teachers, parents, alumni and staunch supporters. The fervent singing of the school hymn at the end of each game, win or lose, cements the loyalty and the eagerness to fight again for the alma mater.

All that translates into coaches doing their best to achieve the highest goal, into athletes giving their all and in so doing, whipping up performances worthy of titles and trophies and the best entertainment for the crowd.

Of late, leveled up recruitment by all teams have brought in amazing talents from different parts of the globe, including our still talent-rich provinces and provincial schools. That brings us to the fourth and last factor that makes collegiate games the thing to watch these days. New names and new faces. A constant parade of young discoveries and maturing stars who will one day graduate into the pros and become the super novas of Philippine basketball.

There’s always something fresh, something new in college basketball. This novelty plus unpredictability, rivalry and all-out competition makes this kind of basketball a nifty package we simply cannot refuse.

Manufacturers are asking the government to raise the safeguard duty on imported cement to P600 per metric ton (MT) to make the local industry competitive.

‘We had been hoping for [safeguard duty] of P600 per ton. This is higher than the provisional [duty] of P400,’ Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) Executive Director Renato Baja told reporters in an interview on Thursday.

As to the P349 per MT safeguard duty recommended by the Tariff Commission in its final report, Baja said this is ‘not enough.’

‘First of all, there’s a comparison between the landed cost of imported cement versus the gate price of local cement,’ he added.

In February 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued Department of Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-01 (series of 2025) imposing a provisional safeguard measure, in the form of a cash bond, of P400 per MT or equivalent to P16 per 40-kilogram bag, on imported cement.

The provisional measure is effective for 200 days from the date of effectivity.

As the period of the said provisional measure has now lapsed, the Tariff Commission (TC), after its formal investigation, has recommended the application of the ‘appropriate definitive general safeguard measure, in the form of a duty, on importations of cement to redress the serious injury directly attributed to the same by providing temporary relief and giving the local cement industry a reasonable period to adjust to increased import competition.’

‘The Commission recommends a specific duty of P349/MT [or P14/40 kg bag] as the definitive safeguard measure to be imposed on importations of cement [Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement],’ TC said in its report.

The Tariff Commission’s safeguard measure recommendation against imported cement intends to be extended for three years.

The final decision, however, should be made by Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

Rule 13.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act states that ‘within 15 calendar days from receipt of the Report of the Commission, the Secretary shall make a decision, taking into consideration the measures recommended by the Commission.’

On the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc.’s (FPI) Business Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Roque told reporters that she will come up with the decision on the appropriate safeguard measure before October 14.

Consumer group United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) pointed out that extending the period of imposition of the P16 tariff per 40-kilo bag on imported blended cement will only jack up prices of local cement, which could undermine competition and burden Filipino consumers.

‘The Department Order 25-01 was signed by the Secretary on February 20, 2025. It will take effect for 200 days, so if we count the 200 days, any moment now the 6-7 months or 200 days period will end. So now, we hear that the cartels have an appeal to continue this,’ UFCC President Rodolfo B. Javellana Jr. told reporters in Filipino during the consumer group’s protest in front of the building of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Makati City last September 29.

‘What will happen to these cartels? Of course, prices will increase. They will dictate the price more. This was the situation in 2016 when cement in the country was really expensive,’ he added.

In response to the consumer group’s protest, Baja assured the public that there will be on price increases once the safeguard measures are extended for three years.

‘Proven and tested for how many months. Hindi kami nagtaas,’ he said.

A lawmaker on Thursday filed a bill seeking to establish a national flood insurance program of the government, as response to the aggravating socio-economic challenges confronted by ordinary Filipinos living in highly vulnerable areas.

4Ps Partylist Rep. JC Abalos filed House Bill (HB) No. 5409 said that despite the country’s recurring exposure to flooding, exacerbated by climate change, questionable infrastructure, and rapid urbanization-there is currently no dedicated, nationwide flood insurance program.

‘Victims of flooding often rely on post-disaster support mechanisms. Commercial property insurance could be unaffordable for low-income households and small businesses. This situation perpetuates a cycle of loss, poverty, and slow recovery for affected communities,’ he said.

‘It is very timely to strengthen the government’s flood-risk protection and mitigation efforts. We need to add proactive measures and institutional responses such as the implementation of a National Flood Insurance Program, in order to provide financial protection to the underserved population of our country situated in communities at risk of flood losses,’ Abalos added.

Abalos also noted that recent revelations of corruption in flood-control projects highlight the need for institutional and people-centered mechanisms that directly benefit affected citizens.

‘Over a trillion has been poured into flood-control projects, yet many communities remain underwater after every storm.’ Abalos said.

‘A National Flood Insurance Program ensures that people are not left defenseless. It empowers households to recover and rebuild.’ he added.

Abalos explained that a flood insurance system will serve as both a social safety net and a transparency mechanism, since verified insurance claims and payout data can also serve as independent indicators of where flood damage actually occurs, and whether government projects are working as intended.

In an article by the Senate Economic Planning Office (SEPO), it briefly discussed the economic impact of flooding and climate related disasters. SEPO cited an estimate of 25% or 10.66 million members of the Filipino workforce relies on climate-sensitive agriculture and fisheries. However, due to frequent typhoons and extreme weather events perpetuates a cycle of disaster and poverty, keeping farmers and fisherfolk sectors among the poorest in the country. The said planning office further noted that the Philippines incurred PhP 911 billion pesos in economic losses due to extreme weather events and natural disasters from 2000 to 2023.

Last September, the World Risk Report 2025 was released by the Ruhr University in Bochum Germany wherein they discussed the disaster risk for 193 countries worldwide, covering all member states of the United Nations and over 99 percent of the global population. In the said report, the Philippines ranks number 1 among the most disaster-prone country in the world due to high exposure to floods, typhoons, and other natural hazards.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday it has successfully cleared right-of-way (ROW) issues in six critical locations along the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the six cleared properties are located in Clark International Airport, SM Clark, Barangay Pulungbulo in Angeles City, Barangay Sto. Niño in San Fernando, Barangay San Vicente in Apalit, and Barangay Iba Este in Calumpit.

‘We extend our gratitude to the local government units in these critical areas where we will construct the NSCR, particularly those in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Apalit, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Calumpit, Malolos, and the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, for their invaluable support and cooperation in making this project possible,’ Lopez said.

He also expressed confidence that all ROW requirements for the NSCR’s northern section from Malolos to Clark will be completed by mid-2026. The agency also targets to complete ROW acquisition for nine stations on the southern section by December 2025. These include stations in Biñan, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, EDSA, Sucat, Muntinlupa, FTI, Blumentritt, and Sta. Mesa.

Lopez added that the agency is also fast-tracking utility relocation for the NSCR’s southern segment by December 2025, alongside the Banlic Depot, with ROW acquisition already reaching 98 percent completion.

‘Minamadali na talaga natin ang right of way at konstruksyon ng ating railway ayon sa direktiba ng Pangulong Marcos,’ he said.

Stretching roughly 147 km from Clark through Metro Manila to Calamba, the NSCR is the government’s flagship commuter rail and is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) under a parallel collaboration arrangement.

Currently, the project has a completion rate of 32.4 percent. Full operations are expected for 2032.

A dozen bank accounts have been frozen anew by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), increasing the total value of these assets to P4.4 billion as of Wednesday.

In a statement, AMLC received a fifth freeze order from the Court of Appeals on Wednesday. The order also included three insurance policies.

With the latest order, the total assets frozen by AMLC included 1,632 bank accounts; 163 motor vehicles; 54 insurance policies; 40 real properties; and 12 e-wallets.

‘Every freeze order matters. Each freeze order secured strengthens the evidentiary trail, ensuring that illicit funds cannot be concealed or dissipated,’ AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David was quoted in the statement as saying.

The latest freeze order, AMLC said, covers bank accounts linked to persons-of-interests, notably including an entity whose license had been allegedly used in the implementation of ghost projects.

The AMLC assures the public that it will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to pursue all leads and ensure that funds intended for public welfare are not diverted for unlawful gain.

Under the freeze order, banks will now look into their systems and determine the amounts stored in the bank accounts, which will then be reported to the AMLC, David said.

Moreover, the freeze order is a step toward the filing of appropriate civil and criminal cases, including the retrieval of any funds moved before the freeze, against those found to have laundered illicit proceeds, David added. The freeze order will only be lifted if the owners of the bank accounts will file a motion to lift the effects of the freeze order over their accounts or assets.

Book Nook, SM Cares’ flagship program that promotes literacy and community engagement, recently hosted another heartwarming storytelling and book donation event at SM North EDSA, The Annex Level 4 Atrium.

The session featured Mika Salamanca, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winner, whose presence quickly drew excitement among children and families.

With Mika’s passion for books backing the most recent leg of the initiative, Book Nook continues to inspire a similar kind of love for reading, giving children a welcoming space to explore literature, spark their imagination, and nurture creativity. Each child participant received a personal copy of Mika’s book, while an additional copy was donated to Book Nook to ensure more children can read and enjoy her story during future visits.

‘Winning Pinoy Big Brother made me feel that I could take on many new paths, but I chose to start with books because I truly believe in the power of storytelling. Stories can inspire, shape young minds, and spark dreams-and if I can play even a small role in that journey for children, then I know I’m making the right choice,’ said Mika Salamanca.

During the session, children eagerly listened to stories brought to life and joined in activities that made reading fun and interactive. Beyond the entertainment, the book donation initiative ensured that more young learners would have access to books, helping develop reading as a habit that extends beyond the walls of the mall.

Parents and participants shared how Book Nook has become a place where children not only read but also discover new ways of learning and bonding.

‘As both a parent and an educator, I’m grateful for programs like Book Nook because they create a safe, nurturing space where kids can explore the wonder of reading. Seeing our children light up with excitement as they read books and listen to stories today was a beautiful reminder of how reading can inspire dreams and shape their future, shared Dr. Leah Joyce C. Quilang, Kasarinlan High School teacher and WEngaged PH Youth Org founder.

Book Nook’s ongoing mission is to serve as a community hub-one where children of all ages can discover the joy of books and where reading becomes a bridge to imagination, growth, and lifelong learning.

‘Mika’s energy and love for sharing stories made this event memorable for the children, and you can really see that what makes Book Nook special is how it continues to bring families together around books,’ said Shereen Sy, Pioneer of Book Nook for SM Supermalls.

This initiative is part of SM Cares’ broader efforts to create spaces that support literacy, education, and community development, alongside other programs that advocate for children and youth. With Book Nook, SM Cares cements its belief that every child deserves the chance to explore worlds and ideas through reading.

Interested organizations or schools are very welcome to partner with Book Nook. For more information on upcoming Book Nook activities or to explore partnership opportunities, visit your nearest Book Nook corner at SM malls or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls-one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines-marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences.