Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about government officials allegedly "coaching" POGOs on how to mask their continued operations.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about government officials allegedly "coaching" offshore gaming hubs on how to disguise their continued operations. According to the senator, some officials are advising Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to rebrand their activities as legitimate businesses, such as restaurants, resorts, or BPO firms.
“POGOs are still operating, and they are getting more creative. They are finding ways to change or conceal their identity. We received reports that some government officials were the ones giving them such advice," Hontiveros revealed during a November 23, 2024 forum, as reported by Asia Gaming Brief.
It can be recalled that Central One PH, a BPO company in Bataan, was raided by authorities due to suspicions of illegal POGO operations. During the raid, authorities discovered a significant amount of cash, estimated to be around P112 million.
The company has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the funds are for operational expenses. However, the arrest of foreign nationals linked to the company and the ongoing investigation have raised questions about the true nature of Central One PH's activities.
She further warned those involved, stating, “It’s the phenomenon we are observing. No names have been given to us, but it’s clear that this is happening. Let this serve as a warning: If you’re involved, you know who you are. Stop it now."
The issue of POGO operators masking their activities has also been echoed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who noted instances where POGOs have disguised themselves as restaurants and resorts to evade scrutiny.
Hontiveros stressed the gravity of these actions, cautioning that they could lead to severe legal repercussions for both the operators and complicit officials. She urged local governments to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to curb illegal POGO activities within their areas.
“If the regulators and members of the executive mandated to enforce the law are the ones violating it, their accountability is even heavier,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance in addressing this growing issue.
Read related article: Raid in BPO Accused of POGO Operations Sparks Debate Over Enforcement Limits
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