Senators call for crackdown on illegal POGOs

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, and Senator Loren Legarda expressed support for banning illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on Thursday.

Escudero emphasized that all illegal POGOs must be closed whether they are near military bases or not, and their operators arrested.

Estrada called for a crackdown on unlicensed POGOs if the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has sufficient evidence.

Legarda urged law enforcement to take drastic action against POGOs involved in criminal activities and deport mainland Chinese employees linked to these operations.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian echoed Escudero’s sentiment, stating that POGO-related issues should be treated as a national security concern due to the involvement of political figures and enforcement agencies.

The senators raised concerns about the threat posed by POGOs to national security and the economy, urging authorities to act swiftly.