July 06, 2023
‘Kung sila po ang naghahasik ng lagim dito, mas mabuting umalis na lang po sila’ — Bong Go on calls to ban POGOs amid crime reports
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Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called for a re-examination of the costs and benefits associated with the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) amid growing concerns about their involvement in criminal activities.
In an interview after his visit to Tanauan City, Batangas on Monday, July 3, Go stressed the importance of thoroughly assessing the impact of POGOs on the nation's security and Filipinos’ overall well-being.
“Ang previous position ko diyan, tingnan ang cost and benefit, kung ano ho ba, makakabuti ba ito, ano ba ang epekto nito, ano bang makakatulong sa gobyerno at ano naman po ang magiging epekto nito sa peace and order,” Go said.
“Mas importante po sa akin ang peace and order. Kung sila po ang naghahasik ng lagim dito at apektado po ang Pilipino, mas mabuting umalis na lang po sila dito,” he added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has lodged complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against five Chinese citizens following the recent raid on seven POGOs establishments in Las Piñas City.
Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the PNP's chief information officer, said on Saturday that the charges filed against Li Jiacheng, Xiao Liu, Yan Jiayong, Duan Haozhuan, and LP Hongkun include human trafficking and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The operation has led to the rescue of over 2,700 individuals, believed to be employed in the POGOs industry. Around 1,500 of those rescued were Filipinos while the rest were foreigners primarily hailing from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Over the past few years, POGOs have become a significant industry in the country, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. However, the public and government officials have raised their concerns on reports of criminal activities associated with these gambling operations.
Go believes that the government must take into account the potential risks and negative consequences that may arise because of POGOs’ presence in the country despite its economic impact.
“Kung may nasasaktang Pilipino, pwede na ho silang umalis. Importante sa atin ang peace and order. Mas marami pong Pilipino ang gustong mabuhay nang tahimik,” Go said.
“Nagnenegosyo sila dito tapos apektado naman ang peace and order, kung Pilipino ang nasasaktan umalis na lang po kayo. So, pabor po ako kung saka-sakali na i-ban sila. Kung nako-compromise na po ang peace and order ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
Go likewise suggested the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws and the implementation of stricter measures to curb criminal activities associated with the industry. This reevaluation, according to Go, should involve a comprehensive assessment of the economic benefits against the potential risks to national security and public safety.
The senator also highlighted the importance of fostering a business environment that aligns with the country's values and aspirations. He stressed that any industry operating within the country should adhere to high standards of integrity and contribute positively to society.
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