POGO BAN IN BULACAN -- Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro leads the hearing on the proposed Provincial Ordinance No.012-2024 or "an Ordinance prohibiting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within the jurisdiction of the province of Bulacan. (Photo from the official Facebook page of Vice Gov. Castro)
The 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Bulacan has proposed an ordinance that will disallow Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in the province during its committee hearing held at the Benigno Aquino Session Hall on Wednesday, July 3.
The step was taken by the legislative body of the province headed by Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro following reports of the proliferation of POGO operations that has been causing various social, economic, and security issues in the country.
“The Provincial Government of Bulacan genuinely believes that the adverse impacts of POGO surpass their alleged economic benefits and can potentially worsen existing social ills while posing a threat to the country’s overall economic stability,” the draft ordinance stated.
According to Castro, recent joint operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the nearby provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac revealed that crimes are happening inside tall buildings and vast properties including the use of illegal drugs, prostitution, and online scamming.
Several manifestations coming from opposite sides, in support and opposing the proposed ordinance, were delivered during the committee hearing including San Rafael Mayor Cholo Violago, Bulacan Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Col. Relly B. Arnedo, City of Malolos Councilor Emmanuel Sacay, Association of Barangay Chairman-Angat Chapter Capt. Alexander M. Tigas, among others.
The vice governor recognized the manifestations and assured that it would all be discussed further during the next Committee of the Whole hearings.
Last June 26, Governor Daniel R. Fernando issued Executive Order No. 19, Series of 2024, enjoining the close monitoring of POGOs in the province.
Based on the EO, all Local Chief Executives in the province are expected to make an inventory of all POGO within their respective jurisdictions; monitor whether such POGOs have the appropriate government licenses and approvals; and conduct appropriate regulatory inspections on them.