Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, and Robinhood "Robin" Padilla have expressed their opposition to the proposal to prohibit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), citing its contributions to the Philippine economy.

The senators said that the total shutdown of POGOs in the country is not the solution to the recent increase in kidnapping cases in the country. 

In a statement, Estrada said that authorities should instead go after illegal or unlicensed offshore gaming operators.

"It is unfair to impose a total ban on POGOs, which will affect legitimate companies that are running their business here in the country in accordance with our laws," he said. 

"I would rather see these POGOs being made to strictly comply with a 70-percent Filipino staffing requirement to ensure the availability of local jobs," he added. 

Likewise, Revilla said that he does not believe that shutting down the entire POGO industry is the solution the country needs in addressing the issues plaguing its operations, citing that is mostly a concern of law enforcement. 

"The Department of Finance (DoF) projects the POGO industry to generate 50 billion to 70 billion pesos in tax revenues in 2022 to 2023 after new taxes mandated by Republic Act No. 11590 took effect this next year," he said.

"I feel bad for the earnings that the government may acquire from the industry if we will just impose a ban on the industry just because of the erring ones," he added.

The lawmaker stressed that the government should instead go after those who are involved in illegal activities and provide a healthy business environment for law-abiding and compliant establishments. 

"We should also ensure that those doing business pay the correct taxes that our country badly needs. Those who are evading taxes should be closed along with those who are involved in illegal activities," he said.