THERE is an accelerating call supporting the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating illegally and without operating licenses.
Law enforcement authorities have created a special task force dubbed “Skimmer” to dismantle unlicensed POGO hubs – nearly 300 by latest count – which will build on intelligence gathering operations aside from law enforcement.
Brig. Gen. Nicolas Salvador, acting Philippine National Police deputy chief for operations, said the illegal internet gaming licensees (IGLs) or unlicensed POGOs, have caused increased concerns on security, espionage, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, physical abuse, kidnapping, extortion, digital fraud and identity theft.
Special Task Force Skimmer would conduct law enforcement and intelligence operations nationwide aimed at combating the unlicensed POGOs.
Through Skimmer, headed by PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group as the lead operating unit. the PNP shall dismantle illegal IGLs through intelligence gathering, coordinated law enforcement operations and legal action to uphold the rule of law, protect vulnerable individuals and safeguard national security.
Part of the call has come from Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman who joined other economic managers in supporting calls to ban illegal POGOs, saying the country “does not need” the sector.
Pangandaman expressed disapproval of the operations of offshore gambling companies in the Philippines, echoing the stance of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
“For the record, I don’t think we need them,” Pangandaman told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Malacañang, adding “We gave our recommendation already, a joint recommendation from the economic managers and I hope that they will consider.”
POGOs bring in between P40 billion and P50 billion in revenues, Pangandaman said, describing the amount as “small.”
“That [amount] can be done through efficiency and our revenue generation,” she said.
Alyansa Agrikultura, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines School of Economics Alumni Association noted POGOs only contribute 0.2 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.
“Compare this to the social costs which have direct effects on economic growth,” they said.
We agree with the groups which noted that government must help re-skill and ensure opportunities for Filipino workers who may lose their jobs due to the ban or closure.
They also called on authorities to allow industries affected by POGOs to find alternative uses for their assets.
POGOs began receiving official licenses from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in 2016, but offshore gambling in the Philippines on a large scale dates back to about 2003.
