MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is open to imposing a total ban on Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs) as well, if it will cause the country similar problems that led to the shutdown of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
According to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the government is closely monitoring the situation and conducting a study to assess the possible effects of PIGOs in the country.
“As of now, may continuing study po na ginagawa patungkol sa PIGO,” Castro said in a media briefing at the Malacañang Palace.
“Pero as of now, lumalabas po sa pag-aaral na hindi po ito nakakagawa ng krimen – hindi siya nagiging cause or hindi siya iyong nagiging dahilan para makagawa ng krimen,” she added.
Castro also pointed out some key differences between POGOs and PIGOs, saying that while POGOs typically hire foreign workers, while 90 percent of PIGO employees are locals.
Castro also mentioned about the economic benefits of PIGOs, which contribute significantly to the Philippine economy through taxes and marketing expenditure within the country.
But Castro assured the public that, should PIGOs start causing similar issues to those linked to POGOs, President Marcos would not hesitate to impose a total ban.
“Kung mangyayari ulit iyong nangyari sa POGO dito sa PIGO, hindi po mag-aatubili ang Pangulo na magkaroon din po nang total ban sa PIGO pero siyempre kakailanganin po natin ng data patungkol dito,” she said.
President Marcos has previously ordered a total ban on POGOs due to their links to crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution and murder./PN
