The Philippine government is continuing to push ahead with plans to phase out Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) in an accelerated manner.
One of the main factors that has previously slowed down the sector’s dismantling was its impact on the labor market, but officials have assured that the return of foreign workers will be swift.
The move comes after an executive order from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that accelerated the country’s POGO ban.
In a statement to reporters, Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla noted that the policy has already begun to be implemented, noting that the large number of Filipinos employed in the sector had previously slowed the plans.
Remulla added that he believes Marcos made it clear in his speech that workers will “bite the bullet” amid the social impact of POGOs.
Marcos’ decision to shut down POGOs comes on the back of ongoing efforts by the region’s government to crack down on offshore gambling and clean up the gambling industry.
In his address to the nation, Marcos said: “Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into elicit areas beyond gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture – even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. It is necessary to stop this disturbance in our society, and the desecration of our country.”
Marcos underlined his belief that the outlawing of POGOs can have a significant impact when it comes to solving the country’s problems, as he added that “citizenry must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation”.
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