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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Muntinlupa's Biazon says Marcos 'hit a home run' in banning POGOs

Muntinlupa's Biazon says Marcos 'hit a home run' in banning POGOs

Published Jul 23, 2024 03:38 am

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his decision to ban the operation of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) in the country. 

During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, Marcos announced that “effective today, all POGOs are banned.” 

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
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Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)

Biazon, who previously served as Muntinlupa's congressman, said Marcos “hit a home run with the ban on POGOs, whose existence in the country enabled those who operate illegal, nefarious and diabolical activities to threaten national security.”

POGOs have become controversial in the country. In April, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the ban on POGOs, calling them “a hotspot of fugitives” after a firm in Bamban, Tarlac was raided for human trafficking and serious illegal detention cases. 

About POGOs, Marcos said, “Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture– even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.”

“I hereby instruct PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year. The DOLE  [Department of Labor and Employment], in coordination with our economic managers, shall use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will be displaced. [applause],” the President ordered. 

“This will solve many of the problems that we are encountering. It will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them,” he added. 

 

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