President Bongbong Marcos Jr. announced the ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) during the State of the Nation Address (S0NA) 2024, on Monday, July 22.
"Effective today, all POGOs are banned," Marcos said. The order was driven by concerns over various illegal activities associated with POGOs, involving human trafficking, kidnapping, and prostitution.
"Disguising as legitimate entities, their activities have ventured into illicit areas, furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder," said Marcos.
He said this declaration will resolve the disturbance in the society and disrespectfulness of the country.
‘’The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop,’’ Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led the investigation into POGOs and had been vocal about this issue, felt relieved and very glad after the announcement by the President about the banning of POGOs.
''A huge victory for the entire country,'’ said Hontiveros.
Moreover, Marcos ordered the Department of Labor and Employment to help find alternative employment and decent work for the thousands of our countrymen who are still working in POGO.
REFERENCES:
Philippines' Marcos bans offshore gaming operators. (2024, July 22). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/.../philippines-marcos-orders.../
Mangaluz, J. (2024, July 22). 'Effective today': Marcos declares POGO ban in SONA. PHILSTAR. https://www.philstar.com/.../effective-today-marcos....
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