Bong Go urges authorities to balance cost, benefit of POGO operations in PH
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go urged the government to carefully balance the costs and benefits regarding Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country and ensure the maintenance of peace and order, as well as the protection of lives of people.
“Ako po ang posisyon ko po d’yan sa POGO, tingnan po natin ang cost and benefit ng operation ng POGO,” said Go in an ambush interview after attending the launch of the 153rd Malasakit Center in the country inside the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
“Kung hindi naman po gano’n kalaki ang kita ng POGO para sa gobyerno (at sa Pilipino)… at mas lalala ang (problema sa) peace and order natin, naghahasik ng lagim itong mga dayuhan, nakakabahala po ‘yung sila mismo ang naghahari dito mas mabuti pang i-ban na lang po,” he added.
At a joint Senate hearing on Wednesday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation provided a roadmap for addressing issues surrounding POGOs.
PAGCOR said that the roadmap aims “to achieve the optimal number of licensees and increase the total POGO income gradually in the next five years, but with a more robust regulatory framework which will eliminate illegal online gambling operations and the social ills associated with it.”
PAGCOR has also committed to enhancing the coordination between itself and the other government agencies in an effort to address the social costs and ills linked to POGOs.
Meanwhile, Go emphasized once again how critical it is for the government to take a hard line against crimes and work to improve peace and order in the country.
“Mas importante sa akin ang peace and order at para sa ating mga kababayan na gusto lang pong mamuhay nang tahimik at hindi nasasaktan,” the senator said.
“So pag-aralan po nang mabuti ng gobyerno ang cost and benefits nito,” he reiterated.
On the same day, Go also personally provided aid to residents in Minalin, Pampanga and conducted an inspection of the Super Health Center in San Fernando City where he likewise provided aid to its residents.
