MANILA – A group of Filipino-Chinese businessmen expressed their support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) before the year ends.
In a statement released by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCII), the group lauded the President’s decision for the total ban on all POGOs, which Marcos announced during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.
According to the FCCCII, the group is hopeful that such a move will “improve” the Philippines’ public image, enhance peace and order, and to strengthen bilateral ties with China and its government.
“It is hoped that this will improve the Philippines' international public image, enhance peace and order, and help strengthen our country's bilateral relations with China, as the Chinese government has long requested a total ban on the controversial POGOs,” FCCCII said.
The group also mentioned that such a decision is “the right direction” towards a more positive growth for the economy of the Philippines, together with efforts to de-escalate tensions and disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
“Together with the de- escalation of the tension in the West Philippines Sea, this is definitely the right direction towards a more positive growth for our Philippine economy in the years to come,” the FCCCII stated.
During the SONA, Marcos announced the ban on all POGOs, stating that illegal POGOs are disguising as legitimate entities and even operating illicit activities.
"Disguising as legitimate entities, their activities have ventured into illicit areas, furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder," Marcos said.
Marcos issued a directive to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to “wind down” the operations of POGOs by the end of the year.
The President also ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to assist Filipinos who will be affected by the closure of POGOs who will be seeking new employment.
