House Orders Nationwide Shutdown of 402 Illegal Pogos

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives directed mayors nationwide to swiftly shut down 402 illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in their jurisdictions. Dossiers with detailed hub locations and involved individuals were handed over to the local chief executives.

During the continuation of the House panels’ Pogo inquiry, the committees on public order and safety and on games and amusements transferred extensive files to the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chair of the public order and safety committee, said the panels expect local executives to report back within a month on the closure of the 402 illegal Pogos. He noted that the documents provided by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) include precise addresses, photographs, and incorporator details.

Fernandez observed that many Pogo incorporators were Chinese nationals and emphasized the need for a swift resolution to assist the government and PAOCC, which cannot address all 402 Pogos alone.

Lingayen, Pangasinan Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, reading a statement from LMP President Joseph Bernos, urged league members to “begin the process of winding up and closing down (Pogos) within their jurisdiction.” Bernos highlighted the importance of prioritizing public safety and legal adherence over economic contributions from Pogos.

LCP President and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte assured lawmakers that the league would take immediate action to ensure compliance with the Pogo ban and called on city mayors to address any weaknesses in their business licensing and monitoring processes.

Meanwhile, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) administrator and CEO, asserted that there are no Pogos in the special economic zone and free port. She criticized the Pogo model as a “mutation” of Ceza’s gaming model, noting it led to widespread issues such as unregulated sub-licensing and associated crimes.

Sen. Joel Villanueva revealed his office received tips about the potential involvement of additional local executives in illegal Pogo operations. He expressed concerns about the extensive influence of Pogos and called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize Senate Bill No. 2752, the proposed Anti-Pogo Act, to ensure a permanent ban on Pogo licenses.

Source: Inquirer.net