Taxes at work: Fueling public progress, nation-building
“This is where your taxes go,” declare billboards, marking construction work on crucial public infrastructure. Indeed, taxes fund most government initiatives, even the government itself.
For public works, services
Taxes are mandatory contributions individuals and institutions pay to the government. For instance, people pay income tax while companies pay corporate tax. Revenues from this “income stream” are then allocated to public works as well as social services, government-run insurance and credit institutions and—as those signages declare—infrastructure like hospitals, schools and roads.
In this case, honest and good-paying individuals and institutions get to contribute to nation-building. They ensure those government offices are open, the public services are accessible, and the structures we need to live, work and prosper are built and maintained.
Investment in the country’s future
One such company is DigiPlus Interactive, a pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines that introduced platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, SpinPlus and GameZone. Contributing P33.7 billion in taxes and regulatory fees in 2024, DigiPlus is now one of the largest taxpayers in the digital entertainment sector.
“Our P33.7 billion contribution in taxes and regulatory fees is a direct investment in the country’s future,” said DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco. He said the amount would help fund public services, infrastructure projects and economic development programs.
“These funds help build infrastructure that uplift millions of Filipinos. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to ensuring that our success translates into tangible benefits for the nation,” added Tanco.
Substantial contribution
The contribution is substantial. For comparison, the Department of Budget Management, in its “People’s Proposed Budget 2025” set the Commission on Higher Education budget at P31.7 billion and the infrastructure budget for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at P33.2 billion.
The document noted that P35.2 billion would help approximately 6.1 million beneficiaries through services for individuals and families in difficult circumstances. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund amounts to P31 billion. Under the Build Better More program, school buildings would cost P38.3 billion.
To further illustrate the scale of the P33.7 billion contribution, said DigiPlus in a press release, “…[T]his amount is comparable to the estimated cost of building 13,200 classrooms, 165 fully equipped public hospitals, or 3,500 housing units.”
Fresh jobs
Beyond its tax contributions, DigiPlus has generated over 3,000 jobs from its operations across over 130 physical sites nationwide, and its portfolio of digital entertainment products. DigiPlus also supports community-building efforts through the BingoPlus Foundation.
Economic contributions–in the form of government duties, development and humanitarian initiatives, and employment opportunities–fuel local economies, and contribute to the strength and prosperity of the nation.
