“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,”
The ban was declared by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he also directed the country’s gaming operator, Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), to wind down by yearend the operations of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
Relatedly, he directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to create jobs for those who will be displaced by the total ban on POGOS.
“I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and seize the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” President Marcos said.
The declaration was met by a resounding applause and standing ovation among those present, comprising of legislators as well as national and local officials and foreign diplomats.
Also met with standing ovation and loud applause was the President’s declaration about the West Philippine Sea.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip lamang. Ito ay atin,” he said, as he thanked those who have been doing their duties to uphold the country’s right on the disputed waters.
In recent days, the issue of POGOs have been in the headlines following the crimes they have spawned and a series of raids being conducted by various law enforcement bodies on illegal POGO operations.
Lawmakers have been pushing for the total ban on POGOs, a move which is supported by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority.