Senator Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his call for POGO accountability. He urged local government officials to take full responsibility for failing to prevent illegal offshore gaming operations in their areas. In a statement released Tuesday on his official website, Gatchalian emphasized that LGU leaders must face consequences. He stated they should be held accountable when they allow illegal POGOs to operate unchecked.
He specifically responded to a recent case in Pampanga, where police uncovered a POGO facility allegedly linked to criminal activities. Gatchalian praised the Pampanga Provincial Board for launching a swift investigation. He described their proactive approach as “commendable and worthy of imitation.”
However, the senator also sharply criticized some local officials. He argued that they overlooked—or outright ignored—signs of illegal activity. As a result, serious crimes such as fraud and scams continued without intervention. “These government officials cannot simply ignore what’s happening under their watch,” Gatchalian said. “The public deserves answers.”
The POGO facility in question spans Porac and Angeles City, Pampanga. Local police raided the compound recently, triggering nationwide scrutiny of local oversight and its failures.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) continues its push to reform offshore gaming. In July last year, PAGCOR rebranded POGOs as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) and introduced tighter regulations aimed at eliminating rogue operators.
Earlier this month, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco reported that legitimate IGLs contributed over PHP5 billion to the government in 2023. He clarified that underground scam and hacking groups—not licensed IGLs—pose the real threat to public safety and industry integrity.
Tengco pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle illegal operators. “We are working closely with authorities to ensure these criminal groups do not damage the credibility of the regulated industry,” he said.
As the issue of illegal POGOs gains more national attention, calls for greater POGO accountability continue to grow. Gatchalian’s firm stance underscores the need for decisive government action. Moreover, both he and PAGCOR agree that strong oversight, faster enforcement, and full transparency will protect the gaming sector and public interest.
