House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed President Marcos for his "bold" decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year.

“This bold move underscores the President's commitment to lawful economic practices,” the Speaker said in a statement shortly after Marcos' State of the Nation Address (SONA) on late Monday afternoon, July 22.

It was during President’s annual speech that he declared the ban on the controversial industry, which had reportedly turned into a breeding ground for various syndicated crime. These include money-laundering, trafficking, even murder.

Romualdez said that Marcos' tasking the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to find jobs for POGO workers who will be displaced by his directive “shows a compassionate approach to the transition".

President Marcos' announcedment of the POGO ban arguably garnered the loudest applause from his hour-and-a-half long speech. It even led to a "BBM" chant from the solons in attendance.

'10 out of 10'

For Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr., this particular pronouncement was enough reason for him to give Marcos a "10 out of 10" grade for his speech.

"The President, by banning POGOs, made it clear that there is no room for this illicit industry in the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)...the grave abuse and great disrespect to our system of laws must stop," said Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights.

"This is a welcome policy shift that sends a positive signal to our people...We are hopeful that the President will continue to direct his administration to pursue investments that will bring jobs and livelihood opportunities that do not come with the social costs and evils that accompany gambling," added the pastor-solon.

'POGO is not of God'

CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva, a former deputy speaker, also welcomed Marcos' verbal coup de grâce on POGOs.

“Since day one, we have been saying that POGO is not of God, will do the country harm, and will invite divine wrath and curses to our nation. In fact, it’s ill-effects are already manifested by various social costs which far outweigh its alleged benefits," said the human rights panel vice chairman.

"The President’s POGO ban should ultimately refresh government resolve to stamp out all forms of gambling in the country. We earnestly hope and pray that this policy will be translated into complete implementation,” he said.