House leaders split on POGO regulation vs ban

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.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda supports Romualdez, arguing that a ban would remove incentives for legal POGOs to report non-compliant entities and would drive operations into the shadows, worsening immigration and intelligence issues.

Both lawmakers believe that enforcing existing laws can effectively manage the POGO industry, ensuring tax collection and proper oversight.

Romualdez emphasized that POGO entities violating the law should face severe consequences, including imprisonment and deportation.

However, members of the Makabayan bloc, including ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and Gabriela Women's Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, have reiterated their call for an outright ban.

Castro expressed fear that the Philippines could become a 'nation of gamblers' if POGOs are not banned, urging the government to prevent Filipinos from becoming addicted to gambling.

Brosas also strongly disagreed with Romualdez's stance, stating that the social costs of POGOs have outweighed their supposed benefits and that a ban is necessary.