MANILA — At his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. responded to increasing concerns by announcing a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
The industry has faced controversies and illegal activities, prompting the President to take decisive action, citing issues such as financial scamming, money laundering, and human trafficking.
The announcement drew cheers from the crowd as President Marcos Jr. declared an immediate ban on all POGOs and called for their operations to cease by the end of the year.
This move is supported by key figures in the administration’s economic team and has been urged by lawmakers and business groups.
The decision comes after investigations revealed a range of criminal activities associated with POGOs, including human trafficking, abduction, homicide, investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, and more.
The ban aims to put an end to these illicit activities that have plagued online gambling firms in the country.
(el Amigo/mnm)
