Imee Marcos calls for suspension of POGOs

Imee Marcos has proposed the suspension of POGOs

IMEE MARCOS – Senator Imee Marcos has proposed the suspension of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Amid the controversy surrounding Philippine offshore gambling operators, Senator Imee Marcos has proposed the suspension of POGOs and asked for help from China, which has already banned offshore gambling for its citizens.

Marcos called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to immediately develop a clear policy on POGOs.

“I think we need to stop operations immediately. Maybe stop them first and then examine the system and clarify what is allowed and what is not.” she said in a radio dzBB interview.

“I think PAGCOR can do it because they have everything under control. They should regulate it. They will say what the framework is. Make it known to all agencies, including the LGUs (local government units), the police and the judiciary to sort everything out. If (POGO) really cannot be regulated, stop it.” added the senator.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has conducted operations against illegal POGOs in Pampanga and arrested several Chinese nationals involved in these illegal activities.

Marcos stressed that those arrested must be charged in court.

“The people who were arrested illegally should be charged because it is really unclear whether they are not complying with the law on peace and order and immigration,” She noticed.

When asked about possible action by Malacañang regarding POGO, Senator Imee Marcos said she did not want to prejudge the executive branch’s actions.

“I still hope that the government will issue a new policy,” she said, noting that “nothing has been shown for more than two years.”

“So I hope they explain that people with criminal records are not allowed to enter the country. That they cannot buy us, even if they have enough money.” She said.

“The BI (Bureau of Immigration) has to explain the situation. Even the immigration authorities are said to be in cahoots with some employees of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) who issue permanent residence visas. And then the police: Why can’t the attackers enter the country just because there are bodyguards?” added Marcos.

Although she is not fully aware of the statements made by her fellow senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian that POGO poses a threat to national security, the politician said: “It is clear to me that cross-border crime already exists. It has reached a new level and we cannot deal with it alone. Let’s get help from China (in solving the problems with POGO).”

Imee Marcos did not comment on how China could help the Philippines amid the ongoing dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

She explained that stopping POGO operations would allow the government to determine the level of revenue and address other issues.

“Last time I learned it is about P12 billion, but many of them are fraud activities. Is it beneficial? Too many were underhanded, others did not pay taxes. It is hard to make money, but they give only paltry money.” said Marcos.

She added that the revenue did not justify the reputational damage and social costs.

“The Philippines has a reputation for being a haven for criminals. And some people say that there are no laws in the Philippines and that you can buy anything and anything. That’s a disgrace.” said Marcos.

As a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos acknowledged that local officials cannot regulate POGO at the local level.

“In fact, POGO is not popular yet, 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 and criminals do wonders, then it became scary that it went deeper, they are crossing their fingers for many drug cops and drug judges,” She said.

“If it cannot be regulated and it is not that big because the revenue before was P12 billion, it is not that much, the revenue is not worth it. From September to now, PAGCOR has not yet issued a clear policy on POGO because PAGCOR does not want to ban it.” She added.