The Philippines has outlined a new tax regime for licensed sports betting and virtual sports operators, with sports betting subject to a 15% gross gaming revenue (GGR) levy and virtual sports taxed at a higher 30% of GGR, according to guidance issued by PAGCOR.
Passenger traffic at Clark International Airport reached a record high in 2025, underscoring the airport’s growing role as a key aviation and tourism gateway in the Philippines. The milestone was driven by a strong rebound in international travel, with foreign arrivals rising by around 10% year-on-year, alongside continued growth in domestic traffic.
Air Macau has been granted a 20-year operating license, extending the carrier’s runway well beyond the expiration of its long-standing monopoly period and marking a pivotal transition for Macau’s aviation sector. The decision provides long-term operational certainty for the airline while simultaneously signalling a gradual shift toward a more competitive and liberalised air transport environment.
The Philippines is once again at risk of missing its official GDP growth targets for 2025, highlighting persistent structural and external challenges facing the economy. Despite expectations of post-pandemic momentum, analysts point to softer domestic consumption, slower public infrastructure spending, and lingering global uncertainties as key drags on growth. While the government has maintained an optimistic outlook, recent assessments suggest actual expansion could fall short of targets, extending a pattern seen in previous years.
China Banking Corp (ChinaBank) is reportedly in no rush to divest the stalled Emerald Bay integrated resort site in Cebu, despite the prolonged pause in development. The project, located along Cebu’s South Road Properties, was originally envisioned as a large-scale tourism and gaming destination but has remained dormant following earlier setbacks, including the withdrawal of its original casino partner. Recent commentary suggests the lender prefers to wait for improved market conditions rather than pursue a discounted sale of the prime beachfront asset.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 27/01/2026
