Human Rights lawyer and Chairman of Free Legal Assistance Group Atty. Chel Diokno graced the DZRH 85th Anniversary on Monday and discussed relevant societal issues in the country.
Diokno was joined by Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. in an exclusive with Anthony Taberna for Dos Por Dos segment, where they conveyed their well wishes for the 85th anniversary of DZRH.
"Happy 85th Anniversary kay Sir Fred, kay Sir Jun, kay Atty. Rej, at syempre sa buong pamilya ng DZRH," Diokno, who have a segment every Saturday in the station, said.
One of the matters discussed in the interview is regarding the imposition of the withholding tax for online sellers that will take effect on July 16.
Diokno mentioned that he agrees on imposing such and is only appropriate and must be observed by online sellers in the country.
"Sa tingin ko naman ay dapat lang na may ganoon dahil dito rin naman sila nagnenegosyo," he said.
"Halos lahat ng ginagawa natin ngayon ay online na pati 'yung shopping," he added.
When asked about his stand regarding the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in the country, he stands firm that POGO, in all of its kind, must be banned, while highlighting the social cost it entails in the country.
"We cannot do anything else sa palagay ko, except to ban it," he said.
Diokno emphasized that more than 200 illegal POGOs are operating in the country and 46 are only considered legal and with permits.
He highlighted that a total ban must be employed given the fact the legal operators are only the minority in this case.
"Yung naging problema natin ay talaga noong binuksan natin ang pinto, kung sino sino talaga yung pumasok," Diokno mentioned. He also believed that the government may draw income in different ventures other than POGO operations.
Meanwhile, the segment host, Taberna, applauded his social media reach and Diokno mentioned that he utilizes his platforms to further spread law related information to the masses.
"Yung access natin hindi lang problema sa abogado, pati sa kaalaman na legal. Kaya 'yun ang naging tutok ko," he mentioned.
The lawyer with a rising social media platform also manifested his goal to run again for a senate seat.
"Yes, tinitignan natin syempre 'yung mga numbers natin pero 'yun ang balak po natin," he said when asked if he would run for senate in 2025.
