Go backs POGO ban, hails bill's passage

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his support for a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), warning of their links to crime and threats to public safety.

“As a co-author of this measure, I have long called for the permanent banning of POGOs,” Go said, following the House of Representatives’ adoption of the Senate version of Senate Bill No. 2868, or the Anti-POGO Bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to permanently outlaw offshore gaming operations in the country. It mandates the cancellation of all licenses, accreditations, and permits issued to POGO operators and service providers. The bill also orders the immediate shutdown of such operations and forfeiture of their assets.

Go said national security and public order must take precedence over any revenue POGOs might generate. He cited the Duterte administration’s law-and-order agenda as a model for current governance.

"Peace and order are really important to me. I don't want Filipinos to suffer. The life of every Filipino is important to me. That's why during the time of former President Duterte, peace and order were his priority,” Go said in Filipino.

SBN 2868 also criminalizes the recruitment of Filipino workers for offshore gaming, classifying it as a human trafficking offense. Penalties include imprisonment of six to twelve years and fines of up to P5 million, with harsher punishments for public officials involved.

The measure further repeals Republic Act No. 11590, which previously regulated and taxed POGO operations.