By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(July 22, 2024) – In a surprising move, Pres. On Monday, Bongbong Marcos Jr. ordered the ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Marcos lamented the abuse and disrespect of POGOs of the country’s laws.
“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito (POGOs) sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa,” said Marcos.
The chief executive stressed that POGOs have been involved in illicit activities, including financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and torture.
“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” declared Marcos. “I hereby instruct PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year.”
Marcos, however, did not specify what will now happen to Republic Act No. 11590, which imposes taxes on POGOs. It was passed into law in 2021 during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
POGOs became widespread during Duterte’s term. Despite allegations of criminal activities, Duterte repeatedly defended POGOs, citing their contributions to the economy.
The Department of Finance reported that the country was losing more than P99 billion annually due to POGOs.
Several senators hailed Marcos’ directive to ban POGOs.
“Patapos na sila sa SONA na hindi binabanggit (‘yung POGO), medyo hindi ako makapaniwala. Naisip ko ‘My God, hindi ba nila babanggitin?’ Pero sa huli, binanggit din. At very categorical na effective today, banned ang POGO,” said Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who has long called for the ban.
“‘Yung pagtanggal ng POGO, congrats to the Republic of the Philippines, kakaunti na ang kaso ng kidnapping at trafficking of women and children,” said Sen. Migz Zubiri.
“Pinakamasaya kami sa ban ng POGOs, na pugad ng krimen at kriminalidad. Ngayon, ang pangulo ay nagkaroon ng political will kumpara sa mga nakaraan,” added Sen. Grace Poe.
Last month, authorities raided a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga operated by Lucky South 99 Corp. Some 157 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were arrested. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission also recovered torture videos.
Last March, authorities raided a POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. This led to the probe into now-suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo due to her alleged links to illegal activities.
(PM)
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