Senator Win Gatchalian expressed his intention to push for an increase in the budget of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to support the agency’s efforts against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“I commend the PAOCC for leading numerous raids against POGOS in the last few months. Unfortunately, their manpower complement is not sufficient to sustain further operations,” Gatchalian said at a recent Senate hearing relating to the illegal operation of POGOs.

According to Gatchalian, it is crucial for the PAOCC to sustain its drive against POGOs in order for the executive branch to effectively implement the President’s directive to completely ban POGOs by the end of the year.

“Gusto natin na mabigyan ng mas malaking pondo ang PAOCC upang madagdagan pa ang kanilang tauhan, kagamitan, at iba pang kinakailangang suporta para mas mapalakas ang kanilang operasyon at masiguro ang mabilis at epektibong pagtugon sa mga kaso,” Gatchalian said.

“We need to prepare for any eventuality including the possibility that some of these POGOs might operate underground,” he added.

Currently, around 41 entities have existing internet gaming licenses (IGL) from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). However, approximately 250 POGOs may be operating without licenses and could be involved in various criminalities, according to PAGCOR.