Imee Marcos Wants To Halt POGO Activities
IMEE MARCOS – Senator Imee Marcos has suggested suspending Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) and is seeking China’s assistance.
Senator Imee Marcos has suggested banning Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) companies and asking China for help, as China has already outlawed offshore gaming for its nationals, in the middle of the controversy surrounding POGO businesses.
Marcos demanded that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) create a POGO policy as soon as possible. “I think we need to suspend operations right now. Maybe suspend first and then study the system and come clean on what is allowed and what is not,” she said in a radio dzBB interview.
“I think PAGCOR can do that because they are on top of everything. They should be regulating it. They will say what the framework is. Make it known to all agencies, including LGUs (local government units), police and the judiciary to clarify everything. If (POGO) really can’t be regulated, stop it,” Marcos added.
Operationally targeting unlawful POGOs in Pampanga, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has apprehended multiple Chinese nationals engaged in these illicit enterprises.
Marcos stressed the need for prosecution of those who are detained.
“Those caught illegally should be charged because it’s really unclear that they don’t obey the peace and order and immigration laws,” the senator stated.
In response to a question about possible POGO policies from Malacañang, Sen. Imee Marcos stated that she did not wish to dictate what the executive department would do.
“I’m still hoping for the government to release a new policy,” she said, noting that “for more than two years, nothing has been shown.”
“So I hope they explain that those with a criminal record cannot enter the country. That, even if they have enough money, don’t buy us,” she said.
“The BI (Bureau of Immigration) must explain the situation. Even the immigration is said to be in cahoots with some DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) personnel issuing permanent resident visas. Then the police, why is it that the raiders can’t enter because there were bodyguards,” Marcos added.
Although not fully aware of the statements from Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian regarding POGOs as a national security threat, Marcos stated, “For me, it’s clear that transnational crime is involved. It’s on a different level; we can’t manage it alone. We need help from China to address the POGO issues.”
Imee Marcos did not specify how China could assist the Philippines, considering their ongoing dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
She explained that suspending POGO operations would enable the government to assess the earnings and address other concerns.
“Last time, I learned there was about P12 billion, but many scams were involved. Is it worth it? Many transactions are under the table, and others don’t pay taxes. It’s hard to make money, but they only give a small amount,” she said.
She added that the earnings do not justify the reputational and social costs.
“The Philippines’ reputation is at stake, as our country is seen as a refuge for criminals. Some say that in the Philippines, there is no law, and you can buy anything and anyone. It’s a shame,” she said.
Former Ilocos Norte governor Marcos acknowledged that local government representatives are powerless to control POGOs locally.
“In fact, before POGOs became popular, we already had a high roller junket at Fort Ilocandia. Initially, it seemed fine, like a casino, but then we saw fugitives and criminals, and it became frightening as it got deeper, involving narco police and judges,” she said.
“If it can’t be regulated and the income isn’t substantial, as before it was P12 billion, it’s not worth it. Since September, PAGCOR has yet to provide a clear policy on POGOs because they don’t want to ban it,” she added.
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