Members of the House "Young Guns" bloc couldn't help but recall the gains made by the vaunted quad-committee (quad-comm) during the previous 19th Congress following President Marcos' recent signing of the Anti-POGO Act.
Pogo stands for Philippine offshore gaming operators--an industry that was thoroughly exposed by the quad-comm in terms of its connections to international organized crime, among other things.
The Young Guns were active members in the marathon quad-comm hearings, which at its height was akin to a high-rated, gripping television drama.
Convinced during these past hearings that POGOs have no place in Philippine society, the Young Guns thanked President Marcos for signing the POGO ban embodied in Republic Act (RA) No. 12312.
Serving as principal authors of the measure in the House of Representatives were Deputy Speakers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Zamabales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun, as well as 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez. Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong were co-authors.
The House clique noted that the industry fosters human trafficking, money laundering, cyber fraud, and organized crime, while exploiting vulnerable workers and undermining national security.
"The House quad-committee hearings revealed the full extent of POGO-related atrocities, from sex trafficking rings hidden in upscale condominiums to sophisticated scams that defraud innocent victims worldwide," said Ortega.
"These operations, masquerading as legitimate businesses, have inflicted immeasurable harm on our communities. President Marcos's bold action today closes this dark chapter and restores integrity to our nation's economic landscape," he noted.
"This law is not just a ban; it's a shield for our people against exploitation and a signal to the world that the Philippines stands firm against criminal enterprises," Ortega added.
RA No.12312 mandates the immediate shutdown of all POGO operations, imposes severe penalties including life imprisonment for operators and hefty fines, and empowers law enforcement to seize assets linked to these activities. It also provides for the rehabilitation of victims and the repurposing of POGO-affected properties for legitimate economic uses.
Reflecting on the measure's legislative journey, Adiong said: "As active members of the House quad-committee, we witnessed firsthand how POGOs eroded trust in our institutions and fueled inequality."
"The hearings exposed their ties to corruption at every level, from local enforcers to international syndicates. President Marcos's signature is a testament to his commitment to justice, and it inspires us to continue fighting for a safer, more prosperous Philippines," he said.
"The quad-committee's findings—detailing billions in allegedly laundered funds and thousands of victims—galvanized us all. We thank the President for championing this cause and turning our collective resolve into reality," Adiong concluded.