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Finance chief Recto submits recommendation to totally ban POGOs in PH
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has submitted a recommendation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Recto's recommendation, sent a few weeks ago, cites persistent issues and illegal activities linked to the industry, noting that the current operations are a "big problem."
Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also opposes POGOs, stating their social costs outweigh the revenue generated.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian supports Recto's recommendation to ban offshore gaming.
However, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Salceda argued that a total ban would negate the administration's efforts to reform the industry and suggested that legal operators could help identify illicit trade.
The POGO firm in Bamban has been linked to suspended Mayor Alice Guo, and the operation in Porac is under investigation for suspected ties to Chinese syndicates.
The President has yet to respond to the DOF's recommendation.
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House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez favors the strict regulation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) over a complete ban, citing concerns that a ban would push operations underground and hinder monitoring and taxation.
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Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the economic team has not yet discussed the proposed ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), but NEDA supports the ban.
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Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to announce a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) during his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
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The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is considering proposing a gradual phaseout of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as an alternative to an outright ban.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government is on top of the situation concerning crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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