Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO to immediately stop operations in the country to maintain peace and order and continue to develop the economy.
In his privilege speech based on the chairman’s report released by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means which conducted the hearing, it recommended the immediate adoption of a resolution urging the executive to ban POGO operations in the country.
“The Filipino people stand to lose more than they will gain from allowing POGOs to continue operating in the Philippines. In light of this, we recommend the permanent banning of offshore gaming operations in the Philippines,” said Gatchalian.
“Various government stakeholders such as the DOF have discussed the social costs of POGOs. Their continuing operations in our country pose a reputational risk that could dissuade foreign firms from investing in the Philippines, discourage foreign tourists from visiting our shores, and result in severe economic consequences for our country,” it added.
“Kung ang Pilipinas ay patuloy nilang gagawing pugad ng kabi- kabilang krimen, walang duda na makakaapekto ito sa imahe ng ating bansa. Sino ba naman ang gaganahang mamuhunan sa isang bansa kung saan patuloy na umiiral ang kriminalidad tulad ng kidnap-for-ransom at human trafficking?”
Gatchalian recommends POGO operations shut down in PH
Gatchalian also urged Congress to pass a bill separating Pagcor’s regulatory and operational functions.
There is a need to have a new office whose only role is in the regulation, authorization and licensing of games while Pagcor will continues as a gambling operator.
Gatchalian also urged the Department of Labor and Employment to have alternative employment for Filipinos working in POGO.
On the other hand, the Bureau of Internal Revenue is mobilized to collect the tax liabilities of the third-party auditor of Pagcor and POGO licenses.
The Bureau of Immigration cancelled the working visas of foreign nationals working in POGO.
In January, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that POGOs might no longer be worth permitting if their activities cause a social cost to the country due to their associated crimes.
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