Many offshore gaming operators in the country have been involved in victimizing foreign workers while engaging in illicit activities such as human trafficking, torture, kidnapping, and various forms of online scamming.

Senator Win Gatchalian said the pronouncement from the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) regarding a reduction in text scams after the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) indicates that POGO operations have also targeted Filipinos in their scamming activities.

“With the implementation of the ban, Filipinos are more likely to have a safe and better experience in their online transactions, which could expedite the country’s digital transformation,” he said.

According to him, cyber safety is important not only for accelerating the use of digital technologies in the country but also for attracting investments.

“Umaasa tayo na mas magiging ligtas na ang ating cyberspace at makakahimok pa tayo ng mas maraming mamumuhunan sa bansa,” he added.

“Inaasahan din natin na mas mababawasan pa ang bilang ng mga text scam at kung anu-ano pang online scam na nambibiktima sa ating mga kababayan,” he concluded.