Duterte may suspend POGOs if violations extensive

President Duterte may suspend Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) if their violations of Philippine laws are found to be extensive.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged the executive department to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the POGO industry.

Sotto advised that illegal POGO operations should be immediately removed, while legal ones should be thoroughly reviewed.

He suggested that the Department of Finance should lead the government's review of POGO impacts.

Separate Senate investigations uncovered illegal activities and violations of labor and tax laws by POGO operations, with law enforcement agencies noting an increase in related crimes.

National security officials are also investigating reports of Chinese soldiers entering the country disguised as POGO workers.

Despite these issues, Malacañang stated that Duterte requires a comprehensive basis to order a suspension or shutdown of the POGO industry.