Marcos vows to eradicate illegal POGO hubs

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed that his administration is focused on eradicating criminality, specifically the operation of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in the country.

During his presidential campaign in 2022, Marcos made no mention or promises regarding the POGO industry.

His first public pronouncement against POGOs came in January 2023, nearly seven months after he was sworn into office, stating that POGOs might no longer be worth allowing if they bring a social cost to the Philippines, considering the crimes linked to them.

Despite calls for their total ban and pronouncements, the President has yet to announce his decision regarding a possible total POGO ban.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda previously suggested that President Marcos Jr. can address the POGO issue in his State of the Nation Address by emphasizing the strict implementation and enforcement of existing laws, and he previously opposed a complete ban on POGOs.

Some lawmakers want to hear President Marcos Jr.'s policy direction on POGOs during his upcoming State of the Nation Address, with Congress and the Senate indicating they will follow the President's guidance.

Salceda also highlighted Pagcor's enhanced vetting process for Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) and noted a significant revenue increase from POGO collections in 2023, despite a decrease in the number of licensees.