SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his full support for a complete and uncompromising ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), underscoring the threats these activities have evidently brought in to public peace and order.
“As a co-author of this measure, I have long called for the permanent banning of POGOs,” Go stressed, warning that offshore gaming has been linked to various crimes and social problems that endanger the safety of Filipino communities.
His remarks came as the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of Senate Bill No. 2868, or the Anti-POGO Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to permanently outlaw POGOs in the Philippines, aligning with Go’s position that protecting Filipinos must always take precedence over possible revenue sources.
Go emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipinos must take precedence over any revenue-generating economic activities associated with POGO operations.
He pointed to the previous administration’s prioritization of law and order as a benchmark for national governance.
“Importante talaga para sa akin ang peace and order. Ayaw ko po na ang Pilipino ang mahihirapan. Importante sa akin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya nga noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, priority n’ya ang peace and order,” Go remarked.
He concluded by calling for the swift implementation of the ban, warning against any attempts to preserve or rebrand the operations under new arrangements or exemptions.
“Mas importante po sa akin ang peace and order. Kung sila po ang naghahasik ng lagim dito at apektado po ang Pilipino, mas mabuting umalis na lang po sila dito,” Go urged.
SBN 2868 provides for the complete revocation of all licenses, accreditations, and permits granted to POGO operators and service providers. It mandates the immediate termination of offshore gaming operations and the forfeiture of all assets derived from them.
The bill also criminalizes the recruitment of Filipino workers for such operations, holding violators accountable under anti-human trafficking laws. Penalties include imprisonment ranging from six to twelve years, and fines of up to PhP 5 million, with harsher penalties imposed on public officials found to be complicit.
Furthermore, SBN 2868 explicitly repeals Republic Act No. 11590, the law enacted earlier which originally imposed tax regulations on offshore gaming operations.
“Kung ang operasyon nila ay nagdudulot ng krimen, takot, at perwisyo sa mga Pilipino, walang dahilan para manatili pa sila rito. Mas mahalaga ang kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan kaysa anumang kinikita mula sa POGO,”Go concluded.
