Rep Abante urges House to pass bill banning POGOs after teen abduction

Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. urged the House of Representatives to approve a bill banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) following a high-profile abduction of a 14-year-old Chinese student in Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on all Pogos during his State of the Nation Address last July, and key lawmakers filed HB No. 10987 to institutionalize this ban.

The proposed bill was not approved before the session adjourned on February 5, raising concerns about the potential return of Pogos and associated illegal activities.

Abante highlighted recent reports linking kidnappings to the Pogo industry, emphasizing that these games are often connected to organized crime, human trafficking, financial fraud, prostitution rings, and drug-related offenses.

The lawmaker stressed that without a law in place, there is a risk that future administrations might allow Pogos back into the country, perpetuating criminal activities and harm to citizens.