MANILA, Philippines — A business group composed of Filipino-Chinese moguls has supported the decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
In a statement, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Cecilio K. Pedro said that it supports the decision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to ban POGOs in the Philippines, adding that it hopes to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between China.
“It is hoped that this will improve the Philippines’ international public image, enhance peace and order, and help strengthen our country’s bilateral relations with China, as the Chinese government has long requested a total ban on the controversial POGOs,” Pedro said.
On Monday, Marcos announced during his third State of the Nation Address that POGOs be banned “immediately” in the country and instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to seize all POGO operations in the country by the end of 2024.
The group likewise noted that the POGO shutdown, along with the de-escalation of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, can help grow the Philippine economy in the next few years.
“Together with the de-escalation of the tension in the West Philippines Sea, this is definitely the right direction towards a more positive growth for our Philippine economy in the years to come,” he said.
Along with PAGCOR, Marcos also ordered the Department of Labor and Employment to find new jobs for Filipino employees who will be displaced should the ban be imposed.
As per the estimates, over 42,000 workers are at risk of losing their jobs following the declaration.
Recently, several operations led to the seizure of illegal POGO hubs in the country. According to authorities, various POGO hubs have been reportedly linked to human trafficking, cases of sexual abuse, and fraudulent schemes, among others.
For the past several months, lawmakers have been tackling the threats of POGOs in the country, particularly in the national security of the people following the string of cases showing alleged “birth certificates for sale” schemes for some Chinese individuals in the country to obtain a falsified naturalized Filipino birth certificate.
