Cabinet officials in the Philippines have not yet discussed the repeated calls from multiple sources within the country’s political establishment to ban the formerly-named Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) approved new regulations for POGO, now referred to as “Internet Gaming Licensees” (IGL), in July last year.
On Tuesday, Arsenio Balisacan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary, mentioned that the idea of banning online licenses has not yet been raised for discussion among cabinet officials, according to the Manila Bulletin.
In September last year, Mr. Balisacan was reported as saying he would recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the banning of POGO operations, suggesting that legitimate investments should be encouraged instead.
Ralph Recto, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary, recently stated he would recommend halting POGO operations because of recent issues.
Pagcor had previously noted that some former POGO licensees had tarnished the sector’s reputation due to tax avoidance, illegal employment, and failure to pay proper fees.
Bienvenido Laguesma, Department of Labor Secretary, was cited by the Manila Bulletin as saying the agency stands ready to support workers in the sector in the event of any regulatory changes.
Banning of POGO in the country might be a long discussion with the current government officials and they must do so with the interest of the country in mind.