Cayetano reiterates call for a ban on POGO, all forms of gambling

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano reiterated his call to halt all forms of gambling in the country, particularly online gambling, e-sabong (cockfighting), and the controversial operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Cayetano said he has been the most outspoken lawmaker against gambling even when he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“That's why, to this date, the city of Taguig did not allow any POGO operations. It's because, now, it's just like legal gaming forms – parating may unintended consequences yan,” Cayetano said during a press briefing on Thursday, July 18.

Cayetano has filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act (Senate Bill No. 63) to prohibit gambling activities on the internet and impose stringent penalties on online wagering and betting.

This was discussed during the public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means last Tuesday on improving the country’s regulation of online gambling, alongside a bill that seeks to repeal the law taxing POGOs.

The measure was filed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the ways and means panel. Repealing the law will ultimately render POGOs illegal in the country, Gatchalian said.

Cayetano said his opposition to POGOs is grounded on both economic and moral reasons, noting that the negative social impact of POGOs far outweighs any supposed economic benefits.

“Of course, ang argument pa rin ng PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) ay y’ung revenues. Hindi natin kinukwenta kung magkano ba ang ginagastos natin sa peace and order. Magkano ba yung nawawala sa scams o panloloko (Of course, Pagcor will still argue about the revenues. We’re not after how much we spend for our peace and order. But how much are we losing to scams and fraudulent activities)?” he pointed out.

Besides, Cayetano said cited the growing concerns on the impact of online gambling on Filipinos and the generations to come.

“Ano ba y’ung tinatanim natin sa next generation? Wala pa akong country na nakikita (na tumatangkilik) sa mga online gaming na talagang umunlad (What are we planting for the next generation? I haven’t seen any country that patronizes online gaming and eventually prospered),” he stressed.