Senators Risa Hontiveros (left) and Sherwin Gatchalian —File photos
MANILA, Philippines — “A ban is a ban. If Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) persist even beyond the December deadline, [the] government should still go after them.”
These were the words used by Sen. Risa Hontiveros when she was asked to comment on Tuesday about the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission’s disclosure that Pogos continue to exist across the country, while some opted to proceed with “underground operations.”
Article continues after this advertisementIn a statement, Hontiveros said the Philippine government must do everything in its power to go after underground Pogos.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Kristine now a tropical storm; Signal No. 1 up in 24 areas nationwide NEWSINFO Walang Pasok: Class suspensions on Tuesday, Oct. 22 NEWSINFO Sandro Marcos calls out VP Sara Duterte: ‘You crossed the line’READ: 38 Chinese nabbed in another suspected Pogo hub in Cebu
“The task force that cracks down Pogos should be strengthened even more. The President’s policy directive must have teeth. If it is necessary to increase human resources, let the Executive do it,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Fight vs Pogos ‘far from over,’ Gatchalian says after raid near Senate
Article continues after this advertisement“I am also asking our law enforcers and other government personnel who have high-value prisoners: be careful because I know they will be using all the tactics at their disposal to get you to yield to their wishes. Don’t be deceived and used,” she added.
Article continues after this advertisementHontiveros’ Senate panel on women is leading a probe into the proliferation of illegal Pogos in the country.
While the hearings of her panel may end soon, she emphasized that all efforts to eradicate Pogos in the country must not.
Article continues after this advertisementIn a separate message to reporters also on Tuesday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that the presence of underground Pogos is merely temporary.
“These underground Pogos are an offshoot of the permanent ban on pogos, but their existence is merely temporary. Eventually, their world will become smaller and will disappear,” he told reporters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his third State of the Nation Address in July, ordered the ban of all Pogos in the Philippines.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
He subsequently ordered Pagcor to wind down and seize the operations of these firms by the end of the year.happy day
READ NEXT PH improving in sciences, innovation – Speaker Romualdez Bam Aquino to refile anti-political dynasty bill if elected EDITORS' PICK LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine WPS: US missile deployment to PH key for combat readiness – US general SC issues TRO vs Comelec resolution on dismissed public officials UPDATES: 2025 elections precampaign stories Marcos smiled, walked away when asked about VP Duterte’s accusation Kristine gets nearer; Metro Manila, 42 other areas under Signal No. 1 MOST READ SC issues TRO vs Comelec resolution on dismissed public officials Tropical Storm Kristine slightly intensifies; Signal No. 2 in 5 areas LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine Espenido retracts drug-related allegations vs De Lima View comments