Marcos bans POGOs, lawmakers commend focus on rice, agriculture

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address on Monday received praise from lawmakers for his declaration to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and former Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva commended the speech, highlighting its focus on rice, agriculture, food security, and territorial claims.

Villanueva emphasized that POGOs have no rightful place in Philippine society and urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to enforce the President's directive.

Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay also expressed their appreciation, noting improvements since Marcos' first SONA and praising his commitment to banning POGOs.

Lawmakers called on the President to ensure job placement for displaced POGO workers and urged the Department of Labor and Employment to find alternative employment opportunities.