Beginning yesterday, all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are banned in the Philippines.
In his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Marcos stood firm that “the grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.”
“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa,” President Marcos stressed.
“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” the President said to the delight of lawmakers and guests who gave the President resounding applause and a standing ovation.
President Marcos ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) “to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year.”
The President also directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with economic managers, to find new jobs for Filipino POGO workers who will be affected by its closure.
“At ngayon po, naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taumbayan laban sa mga POGO,” President Marcos said.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder,” he added.
President Marcos said banning all POGOs will solve many problems the Philippines is encountering.
“It will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them,” the President said.
“To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation,” he added.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, let me end by recalling the words of a great man: Let not anyone pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name,” President Marcos said.
“He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name,” he added.
President Marcos urged the Filipinos to always fight for what is right and good, and to always love the Philippines.
“Mabuhay po kayo at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos said, ending his 3rd SONA. PND
