Senate measure bans POGOs permanently
“POGO, go away!”
Thus said Senator Risa Hontiveros who has officially co-sponsored Senate Bill 2868 which seeks to prohibit and expel Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from the country, citing their negative impact on society and national security.
In her co-sponsorship speech delivered on Monday, Hontiveros emphasized the urgent need for legislation to permanently ban POGOs, which she described as a source of corruption, exploitation, and criminal activity.
“Nararapat lang na isabatas natin ang panukalang patalsikin at ipagbawal ang mga POGO sa ating bansa,” Hontiveros declared, reiterating her longstanding opposition to POGOs, which she had openly criticized during the previous administration.
Hontiveros highlighted that despite promises of employment and economic contributions, POGOs have been associated with a host of crimes, including corruption, tax evasion, kidnapping, torture, prostitution, and human trafficking. These issues were extensively documented during the four-year investigation of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, which Hontiveros chaired.
“Nangako sila ng trabaho at tulong—pero ang tunay nilang dala ay karumal-dumal na panloloko, abuso, at panganib,” she said.
The senator also criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte for his decision to welcome POGOs into the country, calling it a grave mistake that jeopardized public safety and national security.
While the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order banning POGOs, Hontiveros pointed out initial loopholes that allowed certain operators to continue their activities. She commended the Office of the Executive Secretary for addressing these gaps but stressed the necessity of enacting legislation to ensure enforcement and prevent any resurgence of offshore gaming operators under different names.
“I hope this bill is clear enough to put an end to all iterations of POGOs, IGLs, or such entities by any other name,” she said.
