A group of homeowners from Multinational Village in Parañaque City welcomed President Marcos’ decision to end all activities related to Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) by yearend.
It can be recalled that residents of this middle-class subdivision were the first to expose the presence of POGOs in their community as early as 2019.
On Monday, Janet Tayag-Ong, spokesperson for the group “IAM MULTI” said that an end may be in sight for residents’ year-spanning struggle to rid their community of POGO establishments and the various shady activities accompanying them.
She pointed out that it was not until the Manila Standard ran an exposé detailing homeowners’ woes due to POGOs last April that they started to be taken seriously by government officials and the media.
Tayag-Ong noted that residents eagerly watched Mr. Marcos’s third State-of-the-Nation address hoping the chief executive would finally announce a policy decision to outlaw POGOs.
“The concerned residents of Multinational Village are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our President for his firm and unequivocal decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)
Today’s announcement marks a significant turning point. You have clearly shown that you are committed to the welfare of the Filipino people.
We, the concerned homeowners of Multinational Village, were initially ridiculed for our opposition to POGOs, even lacking support from our own association.
However, with the steadfast backing of Senator Gatchalian and Senator Tulfo, we persevered, and today we feel vindicated by this important decision.
We applaud our President for his brave and decisive action against POGOs.
IAM MULTI remains steadfast in our vigilance and dedication to eradicating all illegal activities within our cherished village.
We demand accountability from those who have disrupted our peace and order and call for justice against those who have facilitated these unlawful operations.
As homeowners of Multinational Village, we recognize and support President Bong-Bong Marcos’s announcement during his SONA banning POGOs in the Philippines.
Effective immediately, all POGO-related activities within our community must cease. While this executive decision ends the POGO presence, our vigilance remains unwavering.
We will continue to work together to protect our village and ensure peace and order prevail.
To those who attempt to undermine this ban or protect POGOs, be warned: our community stands united against any such efforts,” IAM MULTI said in a statement.
