60% of Filipinos Support POGO Ban: Survey

November 12, 2024 Philippines iGaming & Gambling

A survey by WR Numero shows 60% of Filipinos back a total ban on POGOs, citing crime concerns, while 40% support closing select POGOs.

A recent survey has revealed that over half of Filipinos are in favor of a complete ban on Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), due to mounting concerns over criminal activity linked to these operations.

The survey, conducted by WR Numero in September 2024, found that 60% of Filipinos support the government’s decision to implement a total ban on IGLs. This POGO ban, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July, has sparked widespread approval, although 40% of respondents expressed support for closing only specific IGL operations rather than a full shutdown.

The survey results are part of WR Numero’s Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, which involved face-to-face interviews with 1,765 Filipino adults between September 5 and September 23. According to the data, public sentiment is largely in favor of the government’s stance against IGLs due to their association with various illegal activities, including torture, human trafficking, scamming, and tax evasion.

Regional Support for the Ban

When broken down by region, the survey shows strong regional support for the total ban on IGLs. The highest levels of support were seen in the rest of Luzon, where 65% of respondents agreed with the ban. Metro Manila followed closely with 64%, while the Visayas and Mindanao reported support levels of 56% and 51%, respectively. This indicates that even in areas with relatively less direct exposure to IGL operations, there is substantial backing for the government’s crackdown.

Much of the support for the ban has been attributed to the efforts of key political figures who have advocated for the closure of IGLs. Senator Risa Hontiveros received the most credit for pushing the policy shift, with 39% of respondents acknowledging her leadership in conducting investigations into the operations of IGLs in the Senate. Senator Hontiveros, known for her strong stance on human rights and anti-crime initiatives, played a pivotal role in shedding light on the alleged criminal activities linked to these gaming entities.

President Marcos himself was credited by 33% of respondents for taking decisive action on the matter, while Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, another advocate for the ban, received 9% of the credit.

READ: Senate Committee Endorses Bill Outlawing POGOs in PH

Economic Concerns Amid the POGO Ban

Despite the overwhelming support for the total ban, there is a notable level of concern regarding its potential economic impact. Approximately 38% of respondents expressed worries about the consequences of shutting down IGL operations, fearing that it could result in significant financial losses and job cuts. The highest levels of concern were observed in the Visayas (47%) and Metro Manila (43%), reflecting the economic impact that many believe IGLs have had on the local economy.

In contrast, less concern was registered in Mindanao (35%) and the rest of Luzon outside Metro Manila (33%). These regions appear to be less dependent on the operations of IGLs, leading to relatively lower levels of economic anxiety.

Government agencies have already highlighted the potential financial implications of shutting down the IGL sector. The Department of Finance (DoF) has warned that the reputational risks associated with IGLs have already cost the country an estimated ₱55.36 billion in lost investments. Additionally, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has projected that the government could lose up to ₱20 billion annually in foregone revenues if POGOs are fully shut down.

Business groups have also voiced their concerns. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has warned that the immediate closure of IGL operations could lead to “massive” job losses and hurt sectors such as real estate, property management, and financial services, which are thought to have benefited from the presence of IGL workers and investments.

READ: Metro Manila Office Vacancy Rate Hits 20-Year High Amid POGO Ban

Crime and Social Costs of IGL Operations

A primary driver behind the push for a total ban is the rising number of criminal activities associated with IGL operations. Various reports have linked these businesses to serious social issues, including human trafficking, abuse of migrant workers, online scams, and tax evasion.

Many of the workers employed by IGLs are foreign nationals, particularly from China, and have been reported to live in substandard conditions. Additionally, the influx of these workers has been associated with an increase in criminal activities such as extortion and violent crime, which have raised concerns among local communities.

The government has been under pressure to address these issues, with calls from various sectors to take a more aggressive approach in regulating or completely eliminating IGL operations. The controversy surrounding POGOs and IGLs has intensified in recent years, with allegations of illicit activities prompting lawmakers and the public to demand action.