DOJ says POGOs ban up to national gov't

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is not giving an official stand on the continuous operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country as they only enforce the policy of the national government.

This was stated by the DOJ, through Senate finance committee chairman Sonny Angara, who defended its P35.455 billion proposed budget for 2024 during the Senate plenary deliberations of the country’s spending plan for next year.

It was Senator Grace Poe who sought the DOJ’s position on the POGOs, as she noted that the department is “in the center of the storm having to process their cases and then maybe deport others under [the Bureau of Immigration.]”

“What is your position on having POGOs weighing the social impact and the so-called economic benefits? Are you for the total banning of POGOs at this point?” she asked.

In response, Angara said, “The DOJ just enforces whatever the policy the national government has.”

“I think it's [the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] who sets down the policy as to the legalization of POGOs. So the DOJ has already been raiding, investigating the illegal POGOs--those without licenses from PAGCOR,” he said.

Asked if the DOJ is prohibited to make its own stand on the matter, Angara answered in the affirmative.

“Yes, your honor. They follow whatever the national government's policy is.”

Poe and several senators have been vocal on their position against the operations of POGOs due to its supposed social costs in the country.

The Department of Finance earlier said that the Philippines should do away with POGOs, citing social and reputational risks.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also said he would recommend to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. the banning of POGOs in the country.
For the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the permanent closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) will reduce the cases of human trafficking, kidnapping and other related illegal activities in the country.

Earlier, the Senate committee on ways and means recommended the immediate expulsion of POGOs from the country in a bid to help maintain peace and order and sustain economic growth.

In Committee Report No. 136, the panel called for the adoption of a Senate resolution urging the Executive department to cease the operations of POGOs.—LDF, GMA Integrated News