Imee Marcos Has Proposed Suspension of POGOs
IMEE MARCOS – Senator Imee Marcos has proposed for the suspension of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Amidst controversies surrounding Philippine offshore gaming operator firms, Senator Imee Marcos has proposed suspending POGOs and is seeking China’s help, which has already banned offshore gaming for its citizens.
Marcos urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to promptly develop a clear policy on POGOs.
“I think we need to suspend operations right now. Maybe suspend first and then study the system and come clean on what is allowed and what is not,” she said in a radio dzBB interview.
“I think PAGCOR can do that because they are on top of everything. They should be regulating it. They will say what the framework is. Make it known to all agencies, including LGUs (local government units), police and the judiciary to clarify everything. If (POGO) really can’t be regulated, stop it,” the senator added.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has carried out operations against illegal POGOs in Pampanga, arresting several Chinese nationals involved in these unlawful activities.
Marcos stressed that those arrested must be charged in court.
“Those caught illegally should be charged because it’s really unclear that they don’t obey the peace and order and immigration laws,” she stated.
When asked about potential policies from Malacañang regarding POGO, Sen. Imee Marcos said she does not want to pre-empt the executive department’s actions.
“I’m still hoping for the government to release a new policy,” she said, noting that “for more than two years, nothing has been shown.”
“So I hope they explain that those with a criminal record cannot enter the country. That, even if they have enough money, don’t buy us,” she said.
“The BI (Bureau of Immigration) must explain the situation. Even the immigration is said to be in cahoots with some DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) personnel issuing permanent resident visas. Then the police, why is it that the raiders can’t enter because there were bodyguards,” Marcos added.
Although she is not fully aware of the statements from fellow Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian about POGO being a national security threat, the politician said, “For me, it’s clear that transnational crime is already there, it’s a different level, we can’t handle it alone, let’s get help from China (in addressing the problems on POGO).”
Imee Marcos did not specify how China could assist the Philippines, given their ongoing dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
She explained that suspending POGO operations would allow the government to assess how much money is being earned and address other concerns.
“Last time, I learned there were about P12 billion, but there were many are scam activities. Is it beneficial to do that? There were too many under the table, others didn’t pay taxes. It’s hard to make money, but they only give stingy money,” Marcos said.
She added that the earnings do not justify the reputational and social costs.
“The reputation of the Philippines is that our country provide refuge to criminals. And some say that in the Philippines, there is no law, you can buy anything and anyone. It’s a shame,” Marcos said.
As a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos admitted that local officials cannot regulate POGO at the local level.
“In fact, POGO is not yet popular, we already have a high roller junket there in Fort Ilocandia. At the beginning, it seemed okay, it was like a casino, okay, then we saw what fugitives from justice, criminals record wonders then it got scary that it got deeper, they are rooting for many narco police, and narco judges,” she said.
“If it can’t be regulated and it’s not that big because before, the income was P12 billion, it’s not that much, the income is not worth it. From September until now, PAGCOR has yet to give a clear policy on POGO because PAGCOR doesn’t want to ban it,” she added.
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