
LCEs warned
LOCAL chief executives (LCEs) would do well to heed the call of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to eliminate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within their jurisdictions.
This, if these local government officials want to avoid sanctions, according to DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla.
The DILG top honcho directed local executives to intensify their inspections of all banned internet gaming licenses (IGLs).
“You will be answerable if we catch you inspecting and failing to report (your findings),” Secretary Remulla warned the LCEs.
All local government units (LGUs) across the country are required to submit a “no POGO certificate by the end of January 2025.”
Remulla told local government officials to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in locating hidden POGO operations.
The PNP, which is civilian in nature but national in scope, is the country’s premier law enforcement agency. It is headed by Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.
It will be recalled that no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the closure of all POGO establishments by Dec. 31, 2024.
Marcos made the announcement in his 2024 state-of-the-nation address (SONA) before the joint session of the two-chamber Congress.
Of course, the Filipino people commended President Marcos for making “such a bold decision” despite efforts to protect the illegal business.
Kaya dapat pagsisibakin ang lahat ng local government officials na mahuling natutulog sa pansitan.