After the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) claimed that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) raided by authorities are only those without licenses, Senator Win Gatchalian rebutted by citing PAGCOR’s lack of monitoring and regulation with the employment permits.
"Tila nahawa na yata ang PAGCOR kay Mayor Alice Guo at hindi na naalala na 'yung ibang nare-raid na POGO ay lisensyado nila mismo. PAGCOR's blatant failure to regulate the POGO industry has led us to a situation where POGOs have become a menace to our society," Gatchalian said.
Citing official documents provided, Gatchalian pointed out the inconsistencies with PAGCOR’s claims. Adding that the corporation conducted an inspection on Hong Sheng on the same day it was raided. Inspection papers showed compliance with health and safety protocols.
Furthermore, Zun Yuan also had a provincial license when it was raided. It was even inspected by PAGCOR from March 1 to 10, 2024 and found no irregularities on the time of inspection. On March 13, it was raided and their provincial license was canceled.
The senator stressed how foreign nationals get their licenses through PAGCOR, so they could get an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card from the Bureau of Immigration.
"Kaya naglipana ang mga POGO hanggang ngayon kasi tinatanggalan nga ng PAGCOR ng lisensiya ang ibang POGO pero 'yung employment permit hindi naman kinakansela, hindi naman minomonitor, walang maayos na regulasyon. Kaya tuloy ang ligaya ng mga POGO sa bansa," he explained.
