Senators push for POGO ban citing social costs

Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Joel Villanueva are advocating for a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to the significant social costs associated with their operations.

Zubiri stated that the revenue generated by POGOs does not justify their continued presence, which has led to increased criminality and immorality, including human trafficking, illegal employment, prostitution, kidnapping, and murder.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is hoping President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would back calls to expel Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and make a declaration in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Gatchalian expressed that it has become clearer that POGOs' negative effects, such as human trafficking, torture, and online scams, outweigh the benefits.

Villanueva expressed gratitude to the Marcos administration's economic managers, the business sector, and the Philippine National Police for their support of the proposed ban.

Eight business groups have expressed their full support for the recommendation of the Department of Finance and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to completely ban POGOs.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel urged President Marcos to immediately ban all POGOs, distinguishing no difference between legal and illegal operations.

Zubiri, however, suggested a transition period of one to two years before a total ban on POGOs is implemented.