Senator Win Gatchalian said he supports a proposed House measure seeking to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from operating in the country given the industry’s persistent involvement in various criminalities.
“Ako ay sumusuporta sa pag-apruba ng Mababang Kapulungan para i-ban ang POGO. Hindi tayo hihinto hanggang sa tuluyan na silang mapatalsik sa bansa,” said Gatchalian, who’s been advocating for the expulsion of POGOs from the country amid the continuing proliferation of crimes attributed to the industry. Such crimes include prostitution, human trafficking, forcible abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnapping-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, and various online frauds such as investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam.
He emphasized that the majority of Filipinos are not in favor of allowing POGOs to stay in the country, according to a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research. Based on the survey, which was conducted from December 3 to 7 last year, 85% of those surveyed do not favor POGO operations in the country. Specifically, 82% in the National Capital Region, 88% in Balance Luzon, 93% in Visayas, and 75% in Mindanao are against POGO operations.
Gatchalian’s stance aligns with the growing public sentiment against POGOs, as concerns related to national security, tax evasion, and social problems have been raised. His call has garnered the support of major government agencies including the Philippine National Police and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency as well as the country’s economic team.
“My advocacy reflects a broader commitment to responsible governance and the protection of the Filipino people’s interests, “he said.
The Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means also urged all local government units to ban POGOs, citing that Valenzuela and Pasig Cities are among the LGUs that have so far banned POGOs from operating in their respective localities.
“Ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ay pwedeng mag-issue ng ordinance para i-ban ang POGO dahil magiging problema din nila ang mga ‘yan. Pwedeng ma-corrupt ang mga alagad ng batas at ang mga constituents ay pwedeng maakit at mabiktima ng mga POGO,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker also emphasized that the issuance of an executive order (EO) would be the most expeditious way of terminating for good all POGO operations in the country.
“Dahil isa itong executive action, ang pagpapalabas ng isang executive order ang pinakamabilis na paraan para i-ban ang mga POGO dahil kahit na anong anggulo mo tignan, ang kita ay hindi nating pwedeng gawing justification para sila ay tuloy-tuloy na mag-operate,” he ended.
