Senator Joel Villanueva reiterated authorities’ call to quicken the call to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and other forms of online gambling that are easily accessible to the public.

In a press release, Villanueva said that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has failed to ensure that the POGO operators lawfully conduct their business procedures. He mounted various evidences against them, citing that POGO operations are linked to crimes such as torture, kidnapping, murder, and human trafficking.

Previously, the POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga were raided and found to be running scam operations with their ex-PAGCOR licensees.

Villanueva stated that there is a crucial need to completely ban POGOs and other forms of online gambling, as its social costs greatly outweigh its benefits.