By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said that she is determined to make those involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) accountable, including the public officials behind it.
“Kaya tayo nagsusumikap sa ating mga hearing sa Senado ay upang makahanap ng mabisang solusyon para tuluyan na ngang mapasara ang mga POGO sa Pilipinas,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Monday (02 Sept 2024).
“Our hearings have strongly established that these POGOs are run by organized and syndicated criminal groups in complicit with some public officials. Kaya determinado rin tayong panagutin ang mga opisyal na nagbigay-daan at patuloy na nagpapatakbo sa mga ito,” the senator added.
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he ordered for the total ban of POGOs in the country and directed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year.
However, Hontiveros said that despite the President’s mandate, POGO underground operations continue.
“Unfortunately, sa kabila ng mga pahayag ng pangulo sa kanyang SONA, patuloy ang underground operations ng mga POGO, so I am calling on our law enforcement agencies to step up para ipatupad ang total ban ni Presidente.”
The Senate continues its investigation on illegal POGOs while manhunt for dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo remains on the roll.
ia/mnm
