Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Facebook)

Economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has reiterated his stance that simple law enforcement can solve Philippine authorities' problems with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). 

"All issues raised about POGOs concern issues of law enforcement. The solution to law enforcement issues is frankly, to enforce the law," Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said. 

Over in the Senate, a committee report on a measure that seeks to permanently ban POGOs in the country has begun to collect signatures. 

"Banning an entire business on the basis of issues that the law enforcement alone can address is like burning the whole house down to snuff out the rats," Salceda said. 

"Enough safeguards exist in our laws to punish supposed crimes committed against POGOs, and enough mechanisms to exist to shut down any erring business," the Bicolano said. 

During the past year, POGOs have been linked to international crime syndicates involved in illegal drugs and human trafficking. 

"And let’s be clear," Salceda said, "In other countries where offshore gaming isn’t a Chinese-dominated sector, the industry is a leading employer and source of value added. That’s the case in Gibraltar and Cyprus." 

"Nothing in our law says the industry has to be Chinese," he stressed. 

The impending POGO ban will mean lost revenues for government. 

"In times like these where finding sources of growth is a challenge, we should be more imaginative," Salceda said. 

At any rate, the veteran congressman said the POGO ban won't happen until an actual law is enacted.