Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano has issued a statement on the pronouncement of Winston Casio, spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), concerning illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in Pasay City. 

Rubiano said Casio's statement "unfairly tarnished the reputation of city officials."

She said the city fully supports the President's call to end illegal POGO operations in the country. 

“We do not tolerate unlawful activities within our jurisdiction. The Pasay LGU has already implemented and will continue to enforce strict measures to curb POGO operations in our jurisdictions,” Rubiano said, adding that strict measures are being implemented by the city government to curb POGOs in the city.

These include intensified monitoring, stringent regulatory enforcement, and unwavering cooperation with national law enforcement agencies.

The mayor also clarified that the local government unit (LGU) has issued business permits to over 13,000 establishments this year, all of which have undergone thorough examination.

In those 13,000 establishments, no business permits have been issued to any POGOs and that the recently raided facilities were operating discreetly and in concealed locations throughout Pasay City.

Rubiano stressed that the city government has taken proactive measures to combat illegal POGOs by implementing a series of initiatives to eliminate illicit operations such as the enhancement of  skills its personnel in identifying suspicious activities within business establishments, particularly those related to POGOs.

“Let me be clear: Pasay City has a zero-tolerance policy towards POGO operations, regardless of whether they are disguised, temporary, or operated as dummy entities. POGOs are not allowed in our city. This is not just a symbolic gesture; it reflects our commitment to eliminating POGO operations in our city," the mayor noted.