By Gabriel Kim Leal
(March 2, 2025) – Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero on Sunday pushed for a closer look into Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs), questioning their continued operations amid the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Escudero warned that if PIGOs would lead to the same social and financial issues that justified the ban on POGOs, then they should also be scrutinized.
“Ang POGO, mga dayuhan ang nagsusugal diyan, dayuhan ang nasisira ang pamilya, nalululong sa sugal, nawawalan ng pera dahil sa sugal, pinagbawal natin. Pero pinayagan natin ‘yung PIGO, kung saan ang nagsusugal ay Pilipino,” said Escudero in a media release.
He also seeks assistance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in possibly reviewing PIGOs.
“Puwede bang makuha natin ‘yung datos mula sa anumang relevant government agency kabilang ang (BIR)? Magkano nga ba nakukuha natin dito? Like the questions we ask in relations with POGO, is it worth it?” added Escudero.
Last year, he suggested that the government should consider banning gambling entirely, noting that POGOs could easily rebrand and return under a different administration.
“Malaking source of revenue ito (PIGO) at income sa parte ng pamahalaan, pero kung natatalikuran nga nila ‘yung malaking revenue at income rin sa POGO, walang rason para hindi nila kayang talikuran din ‘yung malaking income sa PIGO kung nakakasama na talaga na ito,” stressed Escudero.
Last November, Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 to formally impose the ban on POGOs.
POGOs became widespread under the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte. They were linked to various illicit activities, including human trafficking, fraud, online scams, and prostitution, among others.
Still, Duterte repeatedly defended POGOs, which are usually run by individuals from China, citing their alleged economic contributions.
(PM)
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