Biz groups, lawmakers, economic team hail SONA marching order
President Marcos ordered an immediate ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address—a pronouncement that earned him resounding applause and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests at the Batasan complex.
“We’re hearing the loud voices of the people against the POGOs…Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I hereby instruct Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” he added.
The President said POGOs are disguised as legitimate entities, but their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder.
“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he said.
“We need to put a stop to this troublemaker in our society and the disrespect toward our country,” Mr. Marcos added.
The President’s third SONA delved on security and social protection issues. Apart from the POGO ban, his speech focused on efforts to protect maritime sovereignty, achieve food security, and ensure safe elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao, as well as on expanding the cash aid or “ayuda” program and pursuing critical infrastructure projects to boost inclusive growth.
The President said he instructed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with economic managers, to find new jobs for those who will be displaced by the POGO ban.l.
“(The ban) will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them,” the President said.
“To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled and think of the health of the nation,” he added.
Government authorities, led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), have been conducting raids in various areas across the country where illegal POGOs are located.
The most significant operations have taken place recently in Bamban, Tarlac, and in Porac, Pampanga which put the illegal activities happening in POGO hubs into the national spotlight.
In Bamban, authorities freed over 800 people, including both Filipinos and foreigners. Meanwhile, approximately 160 individuals were rescued from the site in Porac.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said shutting down all is the right decision.
Recto said the economic benefits of POGOs are outweighed by the drawbacks.
Many operators weren’t paying taxes, and the Philippine National Police incurred significant costs addressing POGO-related crimes, he said.
“If you sum up my recommendation to ban POGO to the president, based on the results of cost-benefit analysis, in my opinion, the decision of the President is right,” Recto said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who along with Senator Risa Hontiveros has been leading the investigation into the illegal activities of POGOs, said he was giving the President the highest grade of 101 percent for announcing the total ban.
Hontiveros described the development as “a huge victory” for the country.
“I commend the President for his resolute pronouncement,” she said.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he considered the President’s total ban on POGOs announcement as the most striking part of the SONA.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, who described the SONA as “comprehensive, powerful and uplifting,” commended the total ban on POGOs.
“This bold move underscores the President’s commitment to lawful economic practices,” the Speaker said.
Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez also lauded the order: “We in the House of Representatives have been calling for the closure of POGOs, whether legal or illegal, because of the evil they have caused not only in the areas where they operate but in other communities. We thank the President for finally heeding our call.”
The International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) also expressed strong support for the President’s decision.
“This bold move demonstrates his unwavering commitment to addressing the social and economic issues associated with this industry,” said ICCP chairman Francis Chua
Chua, who is also the chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and honorary chairman of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), added it would be even more impactful if the President also considered regulating other forms of gambling.
Michael Ricafort, RCBC chief economist, said the total ban “may have adverse impact in terms of reduced employment for locals in POGO operations, reduced demand for real estate rentals/leases for residential, office, and commercial properties and even purchases of residential condo.”
But he said it has become inevitable, “especially with POGOs that violate the laws and cause social ills with their alleged illicit/criminal activities.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Marcos bans all POGOS effective today, July 22
