President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (MANILA BULLETIN, Facebook)

By ELLSON QUISMORIO

Economist-solon Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda believes President Marcos can address the issue on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the latter's upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by simply stating that the country’s law must be followed. 

"It’s simple: Implement the law. Follow the law. Enforce the law. If you enforce the law, naturally you will catch violators," Salceda said in a statement to reporters less than a week before the President’s annual speech. 

POGOs are among the hot-button topics that political observers would likely lend their ears to when Marcos delivers his third SONA in July 22 at Batasang Pambansa Complex. 

This is mainly due to the bad reputation that the industry has earned in recent months from its alleged links to syndicated crime. 

But Salceda noted that there's a definite line between POGOs that toe the line, and those that don't. 

"If you hear news of violations, that’s because Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) and law enforcement is catching them. Let the law work," underscored the Bicolano, who had been consistent on his backing of legitimate POGOs. 

Salceda had previously thumbed down the proposed total ban of POGOs just for the purpose of shutting down those that were associated with crime rings. 

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The House tax panel chairman had also earlier cited Pqgcor's tightened vetting of these Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)--the new name for POGOs. 

Citing data from the gaming licensing agency, Salceda said 2023 collections from POGOs improved to P5.1 billion from just 87 licensees. This is a huge contrast to the P2.99 billion from the year before, which came from 158 licensees. 

With this, Pagcor collected about 71 percent more revenues for 2023 with 45 percent fewer licensees. 

Salceda had also noted that the POGO industry was getting less Chinese and more Filipino in terms of direct and indirect hires.