Recto recommends banning POGOs over illegal activities

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has submitted a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recommending the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to ongoing issues within the industry.

Recto noted that while he is not entirely opposed to POGOs, illegal activities such as human trafficking and sex work linked to firms in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga have influenced his stance.

The finance secretary emphasized that if POGO companies were not involved in illicit activities and paid their taxes, there would be no issue; however, he believes the industry has significant problems.

Senate panel member Sen. Sherwin 'Win' Gatchalian fully supports Recto's recommendation to ban POGOs due to the illegal activities associated with them.

Real estate firm Leechiu Property Consultants warned that the country could lose over PHP 100 billion if POGOs are forced out of the Philippines, while the Association of Service Providers and POGOs (ASAP) noted potential job losses for around 23,000 Filipinos.

Despite these concerns, Recto remains firm in his position that the Department of Finance is not supportive of POGOs due to ongoing issues and illegal activities.

The Marcos Cabinet has yet to discuss calls to ban illegal POGOs, according to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.