Drilon, Pagcor spar over POGO operations amid social ills

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon criticized the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for allowing the continued operation of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).

Drilon highlighted severe social problems associated with POGOs, including prostitution, increased crime, illegal workers, and money laundering, arguing these issues outweigh the revenues generated.

Pagcor defended its position by warning of significant revenue losses for government programs if POGOs were banned, but Drilon countered that the POGO industry's contribution to the Philippine economy is not worth the adverse social effects.

Issues in Multinational Village, such as prostitution dens and a firing range within a residential area, were cited as examples of POGO-related problems.

Drilon questioned Pagcor's stance, asking if the Philippines acts as a province of China, allowing POGOs simply because Beijing has not explicitly forbidden them.

Pagcor POGO manager Victor Padilla stated that they have yet to receive complaints from Beijing regarding POGO operations servicing Chinese players, and would close down a company if such a complaint were received.