The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 2232, entitled “An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, Amending for the Purpose Sections 22, 25, 27, 28 and Adding a New Section 125-A of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, As Amended, and For Other Purposes.” We hope that through this measure we would not only generate the much needed revenues in the country but also place the industry under stricter government oversight.

The Chief Executive has likewise certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 2234, entitled “An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos,” to provide a more efficient, whole-of-government approach to protect the rights and promote the welfare and interest of overseas Filipinos.