Senator Risa Hontiveros says LGUs are "liable" if they fail to detect Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in their jurisdiction.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a stern warning to local government units (LGUs), saying they could be held "liable" if they fail to detect and address the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) within their jurisdictions. This statement follows recent reports revealing that some POGOs are trying to evade detection by disguising their activities as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants and resorts.
Hontiveros was responding to comments made by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who disclosed that certain POGOs were attempting to circumvent the ongoing POGO ban by using these "disguises" to operate under the radar. She said that LGUs have a significant responsibility in detecting these illegal operations, and their failure to do so could result in serious consequences.
“LGUs have liabilities, and even the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other departments mentioned in a hearing that they are looking forward to the amendment of the local government code to strengthen the power of the DILG and LGUs to identify, investigate, probe, and discipline local government officials who are providing legal cover to Pogos,” Hontiveros said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on November 21, 2024.
This warning from the senator comes amid increasing concerns about the tactics being used by POGOs to evade the government’s efforts to shut them down. Earlier, Hontiveros had highlighted an alarming rise in "guerilla scam operations," which are suspected of being linked to POGO activities, further complicating the situation. These emerging scams are believed to be taking advantage of the confusion surrounding the Pogo crackdown.
In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on Pogo operations in the Philippines, citing concerns over the negative impact of these operations on the country’s economy and society. During his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease all Pogo activities by the end of 2024. This move was seen as a response to growing public frustration with the presence of Pogos, which were frequently associated with illegal activities, including online gambling, human trafficking, and financial scams.
Hontiveros emphasized that LGUs must be proactive in investigating and uncovering any POGO operations in their areas, as well as holding accountable those who may be turning a blind eye to these activities.
“LGUs have liabilities and even the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and other departments mentioned in a hearing that they are looking forward to the amendment of the local government code to strengthen the power of the DILG and LGUs to identify, investigate, probe, and discipline local government officials who are providing legal cover to POGOs,” Senator Hontiveros was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report.
In addition to the potential liabilities for LGUs, Hontiveros noted that there are ongoing efforts within the DILG to amend the local government code. These changes would grant the department and LGUs more power to investigate and take action against officials who may be involved in shielding POGO operations. This amendment aims to ensure that local government units have the necessary authority and tools to crack down on these illegal activities.
Hontiveros’s call for stronger enforcement by LGUs highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to tackling Pogo-related issues across the country. She believes that local government units must be held accountable for ensuring that illegal operations are identified and shut down promptly.
Read related article: PAGCOR Calls For Vigilance Amid POGOs “Masquerading” As BPOs
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