Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday, September 24 said he finds it hypocritical if the government will impose a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). 

Escudero pointed this out as he elaborates on his stand why he is opposed to the Senate committee report released by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means that recommended permanently banning POGOs in the country in a three-month period. 

“Hindi ako pumirma...Kaplastikan ang tingin ko at tila pinupuntirya lamang ang POGOs (I didn't sign...because I think it’s insincere and only targets the POGOs),” Escudero said in an interview with Radio DZBB.

Escudero pointed out that even before POGOs became popular, the government has find it hard to deal with smuggling, prostitution, killings, kidnappings and illegal drugs perpetrated by those playing in the country’s casinos, where players are predominantly Filipinos. 

“But I haven’t heard anyone initiating an investigation on casinos,” Escudero pointed out in Filipino. 

If the government insists on banning POGOs in the country, the senator said it should also ban the operations of casinos since it also causes trouble and destruction to any typical Filipino family. 

“I've said this before, that if we are going to do this (banning POGOs) then we should ban all (forms of gambling), and not as if we're just looking for something to target on,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, in an interview over DWIZ, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, one of the senators who signed the committee report, said he is considering withdrawing his signature, saying he does not favor an outright ban on POGOs but a gradual phaseout of their operations in the Philippines.

“For me, we can give them one to two years adjustment period especially those who are legal and have no anomalies. They should be given time to adjust especially since they have already put out their capital. Filipino businessmen have already made investments,” Dela Rosa said.

“I’m still for the phasing out of POGO but not outright, there should be a phase out period,” said the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chief.

Aside from Dela Rosa, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who also signed the report, said he is mulling taking back his signature from the 120-page committee report. 

Ejercito said he too prefers a gradual phaseout of POGOs, considering the government made moves to legalize the industry. 

“The international community’s perception on our business climate may be affected if we ban them outrightly and in three- month period,” Ejercito said also in a DWIZ interview.

“So I am thinking about it (withdrawal of signature). I am not pro- POGO but I wish it can be amended to a gradual phaseout (of their operations),” he said.