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Economy

Philippines eyes tax on Netflix to boost revenue amid pandemic

Manila also targets online giants Google, Facebook, Grab, Spotify and Lazada

A Philippine lawmaker proposes imposing taxes on streaming services like Netflix to raise revenue in the fight against coronavirus.    © Reuters

MANILA -- Lockdowns imposed to fight the spread of coronavirus have sent local revenues tumbling but online services surging, prompting a Philippine lawmaker to compel tech giants "to pay their fair share."

Congressman Joey Salceda said this week he filed House Bill No. 6765, which seeks to plug the value added tax loopholes for digital services such as those offered by Facebook, Google, Netflix and Spotify as well as for digital retailers like those on the Lazada and Shopee platforms. The Philippines' VAT is pegged at 12%.

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