In response to recent alarming reports of criminal activities associated with illegitimate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday ordered a comprehensive congressional investigation on the subject.
This move, Romualdez said, underscored the government’s commitment
to curbing illegal activities and ensuring that existing regulations are effectively enforced.
The House leader expressed his deep concern over the persistence of these unlawful operators, which continue to operate despite stringent regulations.
“We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist in their illicit actions,” Romualdez declared.
“It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind these operations so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan proposed an ordinance disallowing the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) within the province.
According to Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro on Friday, the step was taken following reports of the proliferation of POGO operations in the entire country. As stated in the draft ordinance, Castro said the provincial government ”genuinely believes that the adverse impacts of POGO operations surpass their alleged economic benefits and can potentially worsen existing social ills while posing a threat to the country’s overall economic stability.”
As this developed, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, said a total ban on POGOs won’t do good for the country.
“The government should not introduce a POGO ban. Period. It will kill any inducement to good behavior in that sector. It will also completely wipe out the incentive for legally compliant licensees to tip off illegal operations of non-compliant competitors,” Salceda said.
Salceda said a lot of the tips on smuggling and illicit trade in the tobacco sector come from tax-compliant companies.
“The same is true for POGOs, he said, it’s a bad idea to even contemplate a total ban.”
“Even if you ban POGOs completely, you will continue to face the kind of problems that cause any illegal foreign operations of any kind here: porous immigration, poorly-equipped intelligence and infiltration capabilities, law enforcement that does not speak Chinese. The problem was never mainly the PAGCOR regime or the tax enforcement,” he said.
Romualdez said the congressional investigation aims to thoroughly examine the various criminal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, and other related offenses, allegedly committed by these illegitimate POGOs.
He said it will analyze the effectiveness of current regulations and identify any gaps that allow these operators to evade the law.
“Establishing the identities of those responsible for protecting and facilitating these illegal operations and ensuring they are held accountable is a priority,” Romualdez said.
“Ensuring the protection of local communities and individuals affected by the illegal activities of rogue POGO operators is crucial,” he pointed out.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Romualdez orders probe on criminal activities involving POGOs.”