Valenzuela City has imposed a ban against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and other online gambling that operate within the City's jurisdiction.
In a press conference, Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian said he has issued two city ordinances, the first is formally declaring the prohibition of POGOs in the city.
"Despite of the economic benefits that there might be or substanial taxes that the country is benefiting from POGO, makikita natin 'yong impact na 'yon. Kaya inunahan ko na bago pa dumating dito sa Valenzuela," he said.
"Ayaw ko na dumating pa 'yung punto na 'yon na itong mga issues ng POGO ay darating din sa ating lungsod," Gatchalian added.
The Valenzuela City mayor cited that once POGO enters the city, prostitution, money laundering, kidnapping, and other sorts of businesses may follow.
Gatchalian said the other issued city ordinance disallows new applications of Small Town Lottery and online gamblings like e-games, e-sabong, e-bingo, e-poker, and among others.
Meanwhile, he said illegal gambling such as Karakrus, Blackjacks, Bidyo karera, and many more remain banned from operating.
"Matagal na ho at kultura dito sa Valenzuela na kapag kayo umikot dito ay wala kayong makikitang sakla dito. Ang ginawa na lang ng lungsod ng Valenzuela ay kung ano ang contiribution na ibinbigay ng operator sa pamilya ay tinatapanan na lang namin," Gatchalian added.
