(UPDATES) THE Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has taken note of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and stated that the move would benefit Filipinos and the Chinese.
“We have noted President Marcos’ announcement of banning all POGOs and welcome this development. We believe this decision echoes the call of the [Filipinos] and serves the common interests of the peoples of both countries,” the embassy said on Thursday.
In addition, the embassy pointed out that Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 22, 2024. AP PHOTO
Further, it stated that the Chinese government forbids Chinese citizens engaging in gambling businesses abroad, including POGO, which breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, and murder.
POGO harms Philippine and Chinese interests, and China-Philippines relations.
“In recent years, Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have maintained close communication and cooperation and conducted joint operations to bring down cross-border gambling and telecom fraud.
“In 2023 alone, China had assisted the Philippines in shutting down five POGO hubs and repatriating nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens through the joint effort of governments,” according to the embassy.
“Since 2018, nearly 3,000 Chinese citizens implicated in the cases are victims of the Philippine offshore gambling industry,” it added.
“In line with this commitment, China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the citizens of both countries.”
In his third State of the Nation Address on July 22, President Marcos said, “The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.”
“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.
Thus, Marcos ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year.
Also, the President directed the Department of Labor and Employment to find new jobs for Filipinos affected by the closure, in coordination with economic managers.
Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Friday that the hearing by her Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is ongoing despite the President’s order to ban all POGOs.
“It’s not over yet. It’s not just Mayor Guo who is under investigation; it’s the entire POGO industry that has brought various crimes to our country,” she said, referring to the controversial mayor of Bamban, Tarlac.
Hontiveros pointed out that even though the ban on POGOs has been announced, the Senate’s oversight function ensures that the phaseout is genuinely implemented, that those involved in crimes are identified, that victim-survivors receive justice, and that workers are given a just transition.
“We also need to address our regulatory failures,” she added.
Hontiveros also said that many government institutions appear to have been compromised by POGOs, and that the Philippine government needs to address this through state policies.
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