President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the prohibition of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in the Philippines starting July 22.
In the 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos emphasized social unrest caused by disrespect towards the Philippine system and laws linked with POGO.
“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. Kailangan na itigil ang pang gulo nito sa ating lipunan at pag lalapastangan sa ating bansa,” he said.
Marcos stated that he clearly heard the call of every Filipino that when he announced the banning of POGOs during his SONA, those in attendance at the Batasang Pambansa erupted in cheers and gave him a standing ovation.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their activities have ventured into illicit areas, furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder,” Marcos said.
In response to this declaration, Marcos instructed the Department of Labor and Employment to assist Filipino workers in finding new job opportunities as a result of the POGO ban.
He also instructed the PAGCOR that by the year’s end, all the operations of POGO must be stopped.
“This will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them. To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation,” he added.
Before the SONA, the POGO issue had already sparked intense debate in the country due to its illegal activities. This controversy was intensified by concerns about Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s alleged involvement in these activities, as well as doubts about her identity and associations.
After the SONA 2024, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and Aquilino Pimentel III and lawmakers shared their support for the POGO ban declaration.
Screengrab: RTVM/Presidential Broadcast
