(Pixabay)

Two measures aiming to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country have been approved by a House panel on Monday, Feb. 12.

The Committee on Games and Amusements unanimously approved House Bill (HB) No. 5082 and House Resolution (HR) No. 1197, subject to style, and inclusive of all the recommendations and amendments, during a public hearing.

In his explanatory note, HR No. 1197 author and Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez cited the series of crimes that were reportedly linked to activities and operations of POGOs.

These criminal activities include human trafficking, forcible abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnapping for ransom, theft, robbery, extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam.

“Can you imagine, Mr. Chairman, the inter gamut of criminal law is already included here from the felonies under the Revised Penal Code,” he told panel chairman Cavite 6th district Rep. Antonio Ferrer.

“This is one reason why I would say that whatever has been the benefits [POGO] accrued to our country has produced a graver concern and problem of peace and order” the lawmaker added.

Rodriguez particularly highlighted the threat of prostitution in POGOs, he said that even women from Vietnam and Myanmar, aside from Filipinas, are being trafficked there.

In the perspective of tax collection, he explained that POGOs’ economic benefits are on the decline.

In 2020, POGOs only earned P53 billion or .031 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, which is significantly lower than P104 billion in 2019 during its peak.

“If you weigh the so-called economic benefits to the social costs to this country, it’s very clear that POGO has to go,” said Rodriguez.

For their part, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) noted that they have already instituted measures to address concerns related to POGOs.

“The reforms that we have instituted have resulted into positive gains,” PAGCOR Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco said. “The crimes have definitely been addressed.”

From almost 300 licensees in 2019, stricter regulations reduced the number to about 75 operating POGOs.