PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, an industry marred by controversies and illegal activities.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos acknowledged that POGOs have already “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.”
“The grave abuse and disrespect of our system must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa. Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos exclaimed bringing the crowd at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City to break into cheers.
The President also ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease operations of POGOs by the end of the year, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment to help workers who will be displaced.
