Duterte defends POGOs despite crime allegations

President Rodrigo Duterte maintains that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are clean and beneficial, despite allegations of crime links.

Duterte stated in speeches on March 10 and 11 that POGOs employ around 20,000 people in Manila and generate significant revenue for the country.

However, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reported an increasing threat of dirty money flowing through POGOs from 2017 to 2018.

Despite calls to ban or suspend POGOs, Duterte decided against it due to economic benefits and assurances from Pagcor that the industry is monitored.