POGO ban
THERE’S enough reason to ask concerned government authorities to ensure the success of the total ban on the offshore gambling business in the Philippines.
Contrary to the fears of some quarters, the nationwide ban would have no impact on the government’s revenue collection.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are the top revenue-generating agencies of the national government.
No less than Secretary Ralph Recto of the Department of Finance (DOF) has declared that the President Marcos-imposed ban would not affect the economy.
“If there is, its impact would be negligible. But in the long run, (the ban on Philippine Offsahore Gaming Operators) will be better for us,” according to Recto, a former member of Congress.
In fact, the BIR and the BOC, which are under the DOF, are seen to meet or even their revenue collection targets this year.
We share the view of Sen. Loren Legarda that the criminal activities associated with POGOs had adversely affected the country’s image in the international community.
The criminal activities of illegal POGOs include kidnap-for-ransom, cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, murder, torture, and illegal drugs.
Certainly, we are in for more problems if concerned government authorities fail to stop the operations of POGOs by the end of 2024 as decreed by President Mareco.
