MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez called for a congressional investigation into reports of criminal activities associated with illegitimate POGOs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators as part of the government’s commitment in curbing illegal activities while ensuring that existing regulations were enforced.
In a statement on Friday, Romualdez stressed his “deep concern” over the persistence of these illegal operators who continue to operate despite stringent regulations.
“”We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist in their illicit actions. It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind these operations so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Romualdez said.
The planned investigation, said Romualdez, aims to examine the various criminal activities where illegitimate POGOs are involved, including money laundering, human trafficking and other related offenses.
It would also analyze the effectiveness of current regulations and identify any gaps that allowed these operators to evade the law,
“Establishing the identities of those responsible for protecting and facilitating these illegal operations and ensuring they are held accountable is a priority,” Romualdez said.
The House leader had said that he was not in favor of banning POGOs outright, but would push for stricter regulation as a total ban could result in them going underground.
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