Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian, who have advocated for the termination of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) activities, have praised the enactment of the Anti-Pogo Act.
They said the law ensures sustained government action against Pogo-like entities that persisted despite the ban.
‘I am overjoyed by the Anti-Pogo Act’s passage into law. Finally, the mistakes of the previous administration in allowing the Pogo industry into the country can now be corrected,’ Hontiveros said.
‘I am elated by the enactment of this measure, as Pogos have brought nothing but a surge in criminalities, including kidnapping, human trafficking, and prostitution, among others. This isn’t just an economic issue but a moral imperative,’ Gatchalian said.
They have consistently called for a permanent ban on all Pogo operations, citing the rise in criminal activities linked to the industry.
They stressed that any economic benefits derived from Pogos were far outweighed by the social costs of their operations.
The enactment of Anti-Pogo Act, or Republic Act 12312, repeals RA 11590, which had previously legalized offshore gaming in the country.
‘We can achieve real progress if we prioritize the welfare of our countrymen and peace and order in the country. This law will finally stop the plague caused by Pogos,’ Gatchalian added.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros said she has long called for the abolition of Pogos, having witnessed and exposed how the industry exploited not just individuals but institutions as well.
‘My heartfelt gratitude goes to all government agencies, to the foreign women trafficked here, and to the whistleblowers who partnered with us in our thorough investigation of Pogos. I am also very grateful to my fellow Pogo buster, Sen. Win Gatchalian, for pushing this measure,’ she said.
‘From minors forced into prostitution to serve Chinese Pogo workers, to the mysterious cases involving Mayor Alice Guo’s scam hubs, Pogos have harmed our country in more ways than we can imagine,’ she noted.
‘With this law, the government now has a clear duty: to ensure that no Pogo will ever turn the Philippines into their criminal playground again,’ she added