Category: Business Mirror

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 268 special permits allowing buses traveling from Sapang Palay to pick up and drop off passengers along NIA Road in Quezon City.

The special permits allow buses traveling from Sapang Palay to pass through NIA Road, which provides easier access to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.

‘This needs to be done so passengers don’t have to walk very far, especially if they’re transferring to the MRT 3,’ Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘The long walk just to catch a ride is difficult for passengers. It’s especially hard for seniors and PWDs. That’s why bus stops should be closer to the MRT so they can transfer easily.’

Lopez said he personally experienced the difficulty of commuting due to changes in pick-up and drop-off points, giving him a firsthand understanding of commuters’ struggles.

The buses will operate on a loop route from Sapang Palay, passing through Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, Internal Road, NIA Road, and back. While the buses may now load and unload passengers on NIA Road, they are strictly prohibited from staying idle or using the area as a terminal.

Lopez has ordered the deployment of four Coast Guard personnel and four Land Transportation Office (LTO) traffic enforcers in the area. Buses will be limited to a three-minute stay on NIA Road and must immediately proceed with their route.

Buses are also prohibited from honking excessively to avoid disturbing nearby residential buildings and offices.

Starting this October, buses will be allowed to use NIA Road during rush hours from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The arrangement may be adjusted or made permanent depending on assessments next month.

MANNY PACQUIAO started carving one of the biggest names in boxing when the BusinessMirror hit the streets 20 years ago, having displayed savvy, skills and charisma to a global audience in many, if not all, of his classic and iconic fights in the US.

It was a very memorable career for Pacquiao highlighted by a trilogy with the now retired Erik Morales-he lost the first one via unanimous decision in March 2005 at the MGM Grand but bounced back big beating Morales via knockout twice a year after.

Those huge wins against Morales sparked Pacquiao’s road to boxing stardom, scoring 11 straight wins including against popular Oscar Dela Hoya and Miguel Cotto-a domination that extended to 2012.

After crushing De la Hoya in eights rounds via technical knockout in December 2008, he knocked out England’s Ricky Hatton, now deceased, in just two rounds in April 2009 before sustaining his surge against Mexican Cotto and Antonio Margarito.

The triumph over Margarito made Pacquiao and eight division world champion and the Philippine Sportswriters Association just couldn’t make him its Athlete of the Year every now and then-the scribes installed the former senator as Athlete of the Decade for emerging as the year’s best four times in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Now turning 47 on December 17, the Hall of Famer isn’t hanging his gloves just yet-he’s to make an official announcement about his upcoming January 24, 2026 fight in Las Vegas-after his latest bout against Mexican Mario Barrios ended in a majority draw last July.

‘Hello to all my boxing fans. I am excited to let you know that I will be returning to the ring January 24 in Las Vegas,’ Pacquiao said in his social media account on Wednesday.

Although no opponent has been named yet as of moment, Pacquiao’s next fight could be against American World Boxing Association welterweight champion Rolando Romero, who upset Ryan Garcia via unanimous decision last May in New York City.

‘It is going to be an exciting and special event,’ Pacquiao said. ‘Stay tuned. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days.’

After his 2021 unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba, nobody thought that Pacquiao would be returning to the ring four years later then against the 30-year-old World Boxing Council welterweight champion Barrios.

But he defied Father Time again with an excellent performance that resulted in a controversial majority draw, showing his younger and taller opponent how it should be done atop the ring.

It was not the first time he did it.

He upset American Keith Thurman via split decision in July 2019 in Las Vegas, becoming the oldest welterweight world champion in history of the WBA title at 40, a few months after whipping American Adrien Broner by unanimous decision in January.

Pacquiao’s career was resurrected twice after losing to unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015 in Las Vegas and Australian Jeff Horn in 2017 in Brisbane. He left boxing for almost a year but kept his training and conditioning intact.

Not just a professional boxer, Pacquiao (62-8-3 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts) also served as a congressman of Sarangani from 2010 to 2016 and senator from 2016 to 2022 before deciding to run for president in 2022, but lost.

He also played in the Philippine Basketball Association with Kia from 2014 to 2017 before creating his own basketball league-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League-in 2018.

Despite his hectic schedules, Pacquiao’s passion for boxing just kept going, an he wants more starting January next year.

‘I am just getting started,’ he said.

At the Czech Republic National Day, Ambassador Karel Hejc (left) underscored the growing cooperation with the Philippines in defense, security, culture, and environmental protection, while recognizing the increasing number of Filipinos who are building their careers in Czechia. He further shared the Czech Embassy’s recent partnership with Savage Mind Studio, which produced a Bikol-language audiobook of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis which will be featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where the Philippines is this year’s guest of honor. The ambassador also highlighted the Czech Men’s Volleyball Team’s historic fourth-place finish at the recent FIVB Volleyball Men’s Championship held in Manila. MIKE POLICARPIO

Life these days? It’s a constant switch up. One minute you’re grinding on school or work, next you’re vibing with your crew, then jumping into an all-night game or passion project. Filipinos are pros at shifting modes-and now there’s a new drink in town made exactly for that: LIFT!

Meet LIFT-Coca-Cola Philippines’ newest drink for the modern-day challengers. It isn’t your usual fizzy drink. LIFT Is like a mindset in a can, a new invigorating drink made to match your pace, your flow, your hustle, and your chill. It’s for the go-getters who are always in motion, whether they’re students owning a new semester, professionals chasing a promotion, or creators building their passion projects on the side.

Made with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, LIFT is more than a quick pick-me-up. It’s crafted to help you lock in and stay sharp, giving you the focus and extra push to own your every mode. It’s not about chasing energy; it’s about owning your (‘LIFT’) mode. The newest, coolest drink in town isn’t here to play it safe. It’s bold, versatile, and built for multi-hyphenates-people who run the show in different arenas and still find time to show up.

‘With LIFT, we’re giving today’s generation a drink that’s as adaptable as they are,’ said Frenissa Mae Lagman, Frontline Marketing Senior Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. ‘It’s for people who play different roles and still find a way to make every moment count. LIFT is here to help you get int your zone and make a statement with every step you take.’

Leading the charge is Ruru Madrid-actor, performer, and a true multi-mode player. Whether he’s on set, on stage, or just hanging out with friends, Ruru embodies the ‘LIFT’ Vibe: always ready, always in motion, and always bringing his A-game.

Whatever your mode-study mode, hustle mode, game mode, barkada mode-switch it up with LIFT. Get your first taste for just PHP 11 SRP at sari-sari stores across Western Visayas.

Ready to conquer what’s next? Dare to switch to LIFT.

Showcasing creative excellence once more, GMA Network programs and personalities were hailed as National Winners at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Leading the National Winners is GMA Public Affairs, with its compelling storytelling bringing multiple wins. The episode for Philippines’ highest rating program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Inside the Crocodile Cage won for Best Infotainment Program, while Reporter’s Notebook: Asia’s Scam Cities was awarded Best Documentary Series.

I Juander: History for Sale was recognized as Best Documentary History and Biyahe ni Drew: YOLO sa Antique was named as Best Lifestyle Program.

GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever investigative documentary film, Lost Sabungeros, was honored as Best Documentary Program (One-Off). Directed by Bryan Brazil, the film sought to find answers regarding the shocking disappearances of over 30 sabungeros beginning in 2021.

Beauty Empire, the revenge drama series produced by GMA Public Affairs, Viu Philippines, and CreaZion Studios, won Best Cinematography (Fiction).

Green Bones, produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, secured further victories in its growing list of accolades, with Dennis Trillo named Best Actor in a Leading Role, and National Artist Ricky Lee and GMA Public Affairs senior assistant vice president Angeli Atienza winning for Best Screenplay.

Scoring back-to-back wins is GMA Integrated News (GMAIN). Its innovative election campaign Eleksyonaryo: The Dapat Totoo Digital Exclusives produced by GMAIN Social Media; and DigiDokyu: The Rice God of the Cordillera produced by GMAIN-Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab were recognized for Best Short Form (Scripted) and Best Short Form (Unscripted), respectively.

GMA Entertainment Group also continues its winning streak as more entertainment programs and personalities were honored as National Winners, underscoring their unwavering commitment to producing top-tier content that resonates across borders and elevates Philippine entertainment on the global stage.

Dingdong Dantes was named Best Entertainment Host for Family Feud Philippines. Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento was recognized as Best Comedy Program, while Stars on the Floor was declared Best +

Completing the list of GMA National Winners by the Asian Academy Creative Awards is ‘Gemini,’ as Best Theme Song or Title Theme, by Anjo Baranquel and Julie Anne San Jose for Slay, the murder mystery series from GMA Network and Viu Philippines.

The Asian Academy Creative Awards honors the creative excellence produced by 17 nations that represent the region’s content industry. National winners will represent the Philippines in December at the Grand Awards Gala in Singapore.

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, proudly marks its 30th Anniversary with a grand celebration on October 18 and 19, Saturday and Sunday. The premier theme park is working their magic to celebrate three decades of magical memories with an unforgettable concert series and festive surprises that promise to leave everyone forever enchanted.

The two-day festivities will feature the EK’s first-ever projection mapping show, Wheel of Fate: The Magical Journey of Eldar the Wizard. Guests will also enjoy the Echoes of Enchantment Grand Parade, a special showcase of EK’s beloved Storyverse characters led by the iconic Eldar the Wizard. These nighttime spectacles will start at 6:00 in the evening.

Gabi ng Saribuhay: An Enchanting Filipino Concert

On the night of October 18, Enchanted Kingdom proudly welcomes homegrown talents back to its stage for a star-studded anniversary celebration.

Returning are former EK performers who have made their mark in the entertainment industry-powerhouse vocalist Gigi de Lana and Sinag Maynila 2025 Best Actress and Sparkle diva, Rita Daniela. Adding more magic to the evening is acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rob Deniel who will captivate guests with his music. The night will be made even more enchanting with the majestic performance of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country’s premier orchestras.

Also joining the celebration are Mauie Francisco and Mitzi Casacop-both former EK performers as well and now GMA Sparkle artists-who will give a special performance in an exclusive event.

The first night of the celebration will end with a grand The Magic of Saribuhay: A Pyromusic Spectacle.

The Next Chapter of Enchantment

On October 19, the Forever Enchanted Live: EK’s 30th Anniversary Concert will take center stage featuring one of OPM’s most iconic bands, Parokya ni Edgar and this generation’s top band Cup of Joe. Alternative rock band Over October will bring fresh energy to the celebration.

Capping off the festivities, the Memories of Magic: Sky Wizardry EKstravaganza will light up the night sky with a breathtaking pyromusical show, commemorating Enchanted Kingdom’s three decades of creating magical memories that last a lifetime for all Filipinos.

AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and Space Shuttle Re-opening

One of the major highlights of Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th Anniversary celebration is the reopening of AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines. Reinforcing the park’s commitment to sustainability, the attraction offers guests an educational and fully immersive journey through an enhanced film that showcases the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and natural wonders.

‘SARIBUHAY is more than just an experience-it is a powerful call to action,’ said Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, Chief Operating Officer of Enchanted Kingdom. ‘Beyond its mission to promote the beauty of the Philippines and drive tourism, AGILA reminds us of the urgent need to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife.’

Dr. Mamon also emphasized that admission to the majestic flying theater is already included in the park’s regular day pass, as part of EK’s Education Program. ‘Enchanted Kingdom welcomes 600,000 students each year as we offer EK as an alternative classroom where they can learn through our Physics Behind the Rides and our Botany in the Park, among others. With AGILA the EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, we want to be able to contribute in ensuring that our next generation of leaders are equipped with awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity,’ she furthered.

Plus, thrill-seekers have even more to look forward to as the iconic Space Shuttle makes its highly anticipated comeback this October-now reimagined with an immersive thematic experience and enhanced ride system technology, ensuring an even safer, smoother, and more exhilarating adventure with every twist and turn.

Enchanting New Songs

True to its aspiration in cultivating Filipino talent, EK’s homegrown P-pop girl group, SMS has released their new original song, Forever Enchanted. EK’s premier all-male vocal group Kingsmen has also released their own music, Enchanting Memories.

New Anniversary Merchandise and Food Offerings

As part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, Enchanted Kingdom will also delight guests with exclusive food offerings crafted especially for this milestone year. Families and friends can look forward to indulging in limited-edition treats such as Agila Pops macarons, PanSisig crispy noodles, Biggie Burrito, Soy Good Chicken, and the playful Dino Surprise.

EK has released commemorative shirts featuring the park’s iconic rides, as well as new AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY merchandise. The beloved prehistoric-themed concept store for kids, Stone Age, is also back – giving guests more ways to celebrate and bring home a piece of Enchanted Kingdom magic.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to use part of the P20 billion earmarked for the implementation of a law that aims to modernize the livestock and poultry subsectors for the construction of Cold Examination Facilities for Agriculture (Cefas).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency would need as much as P1.5 billion to build five Cefas to prevent the entry of transboundary animal diseases and curb the smuggling of farm products.

He noted that the Cefas, which will be built in the Port of Manila, Subic, General Santos, Davao, and Cebu, would cost P250 to P300 million each.

Initially, he said the DA was ready to bid out the Cefas, but the agency encountered delays due to failed bidding.

‘We just need funding. Once these are funded, then we can bid out [the projects],’ he told reporters on the sidelines of the Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the DA on Wednesday.

The DA chief noted that during the Senate hearing, the lawmakers said the fund should be included in the agency’s budget for 2026.

If this is not possible, he said they proposed to use of the budget allotted for the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF) for building CEFAs.

‘The Senators suggested they might find a way to fund it in the [bicameral conference], which is preferred. But if not, we might use part of the AnCEF fund just to get at least one [Cefa] started.’

According to DA chief, it would take 16 months to build a first border facility.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently signed Republic Act (RA) 12308 or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act.

The new law creates a 10-year fund dubbed the AnCEF which would consist of tariffs collected from imported livestock, poultry and dairy products.

Earlier, the DA chief said the Cefa should be established inside the ports so potentially smuggled farm items would be seized before leaving the facility.

If not inside the ports, he noted that the Cefas could be constructed near the ports, so it would be easier to track.

He also said the border inspection facilities in these ports would mainly check potentially smuggled goods based on their risk.

‘It should only be risk-based.if we’ve already flagged the country or the shipment is questionable, then only then the shipment should be checked. We cannot check all shipments as costs will increase.’

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.