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POGOs using resorts, hotels as front, Remulla says

Philippines | National

POGOs using resorts, hotels as front, Remulla says

By Chito Chavez

With Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) posing as resorts and hotels to conceal their operations, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito ‘Jonvic’ Remulla called on local chief executives to strictly and regularly inspect resorts, restaurants, and similar business establishments to stop the illegal operations in the country.

Remulla issued the call after unscrupulous groups applied business permits for resort or restaurants to conceal their illegal POGO operations.

“The biggest disguise that they (POGOs) are going through now is that they are applying for resorts and restaurants,” Remulla asserted.

With nefarious businessmen using their guile, Remulla stressed that the mayors must counter this by regularly checking the establishments to “make sure that what is going on is exactly what is intended.”

The DILG chief cited a case in Lapu-Lapu City where authorities discovered that the restaurant, hotel, and the bar were just a front for POGO operations.

Based on the Local Government Code of 1991, the city mayor has the power to issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the law or ordinances.

“It is really up to the mayors, when they issue business permits, occupancy permits, they have to inspect the premises and to make sure that what is intended for is happening,” Remulla noted.

Earlier, the President issued Executive Order No. 74 which institutionalized the immediate ban of the Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines.

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