Duterte urges Congress to regulate POGOs

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Congress to pass laws further regulating Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to address allegations of illegal activities.

Duterte stated that he is not inclined to suspend POGO operations due to the billions in revenue that can be collected from them, citing the need for government funds, and claimed that "every centavo" from POGOs was accounted for.

He mentioned that POGO revenues could help fund the government's response to the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) reported that the government has collected roughly PHP7 billion from fees and licenses from offshore gaming companies.

Duterte dismissed allegations of money laundering linked to POGOs, stating that bank deposit records showed no proof of such activities.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo defended Duterte's decision, stating that POGOs are not inherently bad and that the government should focus on prosecuting individuals involved in illegal operations rather than banning the entire industry.

On March 10, Duterte cleared POGOs of links to a wide range of crimes, stating "those POGOs are clean" and that the industry employs about 20,000 people in Manila.

Duterte also reiterated that the Philippines needed the industry because it provides P2 billion a month in revenue.