House Minority Leader Benny Abante Jr. has filed a measure banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, this after the government recently allowed POGOs to resume operations
In a privilege speech on Monday, Abante reiterated his longstanding opposition to POGOs and asked his fellow members of Congress to support the passage of the Anti POGO Act of 2020, which would declare POGOs illegal and prohibit them from operating in the country.
“Declare this industry illegal in our country.”
The House leader emphasized that the country derived no benefits from the controversial industry, and explained that POGOs “encourage a vice that is deplorable regardless of where it is practiced.”
The anti-gambling advocate likewise stressed that “evidence shows POGOs lead to the promotion of other vile industries like prostitution” and “experience reveals that do not provide any tangible, impactful benefits to our country, as attested to by finance officials asked to testify in legislative hearings on this subject.”
“Do POGOs employ Filipinos? No. Do POGOs perform an essential service? No. Kumikita ba ang mamamayang Pilipino dito? Hindi.”
The lawmaker from Manila lamented that in the middle of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, POGOs have been allowed to operate while other industries remain shut down because of the ECQ, and said he was dismayed that there were quarters that argue that POGOs should be classified as BPOs that are considered “essential services.”
The legislator also pointed out that POGOs “have repeatedly and consistently shown they have no regard for our laws, and we should not be surprised––because this is the same disrespect for gambling laws in China that have forced them to bring their operations to our country.”
“It is time to end this debate once and for all and declare this industry illegal in our country.”
Under Sec. 3 of the Anti POGO Act of 2020, “offshore gaming is hereby declared Illegal and prohibited. Accordingly, all POGOs, whether licensed or not to operate as such, are hereby directed to cease and desist from their operations upon the effectivity of this Act.”
The proposed measure punishes violators with fines and imprisonment. Accepting, processing, or granting applications for new Offshore Gaming Licenses are punishable by imprisonment of six to eight years and fines ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 pesos. Those found engaging in or operating offshore or online gaming including online casino can be fined five to ten million pesos, with prison terms ranging from seven to 10 years.
Those who provide the place, materials, equipment, or instruments needed or necessary for, or aiding in, protecting or abetting, the conduct of any act or activity prohibited or declared illegal under the measure shall be punishable by four to six years imprisonment and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.