A Philippines senator has called on the government to relocate all POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) to a designated zone to allow for better industry supervision.
According to the Manila Bulletin, Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, told reporters of his plan during a recent zoom interview in which he also called for POGOs to be wound down slowly rather than shut down immediately.
Dela Rosa said the operation of POGOs in a controlled zone is recommended to allow the government to “strictly supervise their operations and avoid the occurrence of crimes.”
His comments follow calls by another Senator and long-time opponent of POGOs, Sherwin Gatchalian, for the industry to be shut down, stating that the “POGO experiment” had failed to provide the economic benefits it had promised and instead “created new avenues for crime and corruption, damaging our country’s reputation among diplomatic allies, foreign investors, potential tourists, and even our own countrymen.”
Gaming regulator PAGCOR has since confirmed that the POGO industry is here to stay but said it would enhance supervision.
“The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would like to reiterate its firm commitment to uphold the integrity of the gaming industry in the Philippines, including offshore gaming,” the agency said in a recent statement.
“PAGCOR reassures the public that to maintain the integrity of regulated gaming in the country, the state-run firm will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions or penalties to erring licensees or service providers. We will ensure that all revenues from regulated gaming will continue to support the government’s nation-building efforts and uplift the lives of Filipinos.”
The Manila Bulletin report says dela Rosa will file a resolution for plenary debate which will result in a collective decision on the “conflicting recommendations” of the two Senate committees over the future of POGOs.
