Speaker orders full probe into illegal POGO activities

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will investigate illegal activities involving Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs.

Based on a directive from Speaker Martin Romualdez, the chamber will examine thoroughly the various criminal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking and other offenses allegedly committed by these illegitimate gaming hubs.

“We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist in their illicit actions. It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind these operations so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

During the probe, lawmakers will also review the effectiveness of the current regulations and identify any gaps that allow POGOs to evade the law.

Romualdez said that establishing the identities of those responsible for protecting and facilitating these illegal operations and ensuring they are held accountable is “a priority” of the investigation.

This move, Romualdez noted, underscores the government’s commitment to curbing illegal activities and ensuring that existing regulations are effectively enforced.

On Wednesday, the Speaker said he does not favor a total ban on POGOs because they would only go underground, making monitoring more difficult for authorities.

Instead, he proposed strict regulation and enforcement of laws against illegal POGOs.

Meanwhile, the provincial council of Bulacan is proposing to disallow the operation of POGOs in the province.

The council tackled the issue following reports on the proliferation of POGO operations that have been causing various social, economic and security issues in the country.

The draft ordinance states: “The Provincial Government of Bulacan genuinely believes that the adverse impacts of POGO operations surpass their alleged economic benefits and can potentially worsen existing social ills while posing a threat to the country’s overall economic stability.”

On June 26, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando issued Executive Order No. 19, series of 2024 enjoining the close monitoring of POGOs in the province.

As per the EO, all local chief executives in the province are expected to make an inventory of all POGO operations within their respective jurisdictions; monitor whether such operations have the appropriate government licenses and approvals and conduct appropriate regulatory inspections on such POGOs – Ramon Efren Lazaro