By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in enforcing the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) by the end of the year.
The senator stressed that LGUs must remain vigilant for any gatherings or activities involving foreign nationals that could signal the presence of Pogo operations within their jurisdictions.
“Nagiging maliliit na grupo na nagtatakbuhan sa mga probinsya ang mga Pogo. Dito na papasok ang papel ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na maging mapagmatyag at maging alisto sa ganitong mga pangyayari,” Gatchalian said.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the nationwide ban on Pogos by the end of the year.
Gatchalian also reminded local officials that they could be held legally accountable if they ignore or tolerate suspected Pogo operations in their areas.
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