House Minority Leader Abante to file ‘anti-POGO’ bill

House Minority Leader Benny Abante Jr. on Monday announced that he is going to file an "anti-POGO" bill to once and for all cease the activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

Abante made the remark after the government allowed POGOs to partially reopen even as many areas in the Philippines are still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In a privilege speech during the resumption of the House session, Abante vehemently expressed his opposition to POGO operations, saying that these "do not provide any tangible, impactful benefits to our country."

He expressed dismay that POGO operations were allowed to continue amid the COVID-19 crisis when most industries in the country are still forced to temporarily close down and religious activities are still prohibited following social distancing protocols.

"Nakakadismaya na para mabuksan ang mga POGO na ito, ipinipilit pa natin na isama ang mga POGO sa mga BPO [business process outsourcing] na sinasabing 'essential services' na kailangang mag-operate sa gitna ng ECQ," Abante said.

"Bakit? Do POGOs employ Filipinos? No. Do POGOs perform an essential service? No. Kumikita ba ang mamamayang Pilipino dito? Hindi po," he added.

Abante argued that POGOs have also repeatedly and consistently showed disregard for Philippine laws, the same disrespect for Chinese gambling laws that caused them to be forced out of their home country.

The lawmaker said that while he recognizes the need for additional revenues, efforts are already being made to augment funds to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

"Hindi po POGO ang solusyon, Mr. Speaker. We lose billions in revenues due to corruption and inefficiency in our revenue collections agencies, Mr. Speaker, and these are issues we should instead address if we want greater revenues for government operations," Abante said.

"In the light of all the points this representation has raised, support for the immediate passage of the Anti POGO Act of 2020 that I am going to file. is earnestly requested. Panahon na para ikandado ang mga POGO, Mr. Speaker. Panahon na para itapon sa malalim na karagatan ang POGO. It is time to say no to POGO," he added.

Malacañang on Monday maintained that POGOs are a form of BPO even as the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines says they are not.

"Hindi para sa kanila ang magsabi niyan kasi meron tayong sinusunod na depinisyon ng POGO sang-ayon sa mga guidelines lalo na dun sa mga nagbibigay ng tax incentives," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"Pag ikaw ay nagbibigay ng serbisyo para sa isang gawain na hindi naman nangyayari sa bansa natin, 'yan po ay BPO," he added. — BM, GMA News