Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has introduced a bill to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing rising crime rates associated with the industry.
Philippine Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian stressed the importance of addressing the increasing incidents of human trafficking and online fraud targeting POGOs.
Bill No. 2689, previously filed by the Philippine Senate, seeks to repeal the taxability of offshore gaming as provided for in Republic Act No. 11590, enacted by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in September 2021.
Gatchalian took action after a series of high-profile raids that exposed the dark side of the POGO industry. One high-profile operation took place in Pasay City, Metro Manila, when a "torture chamber" and rumored prostitution house were discovered.
The senator cited not only fiscal concerns but also the moral responsibility to combat human trafficking and online fraud associated with POGOs, and he emphasized the public's desire to ban the industry.
Sen. Francis Escudero, who claims to be concerned about money laundering, online fraud and human trafficking, is considering outlawing all forms of gaming in the Philippines in response to growing concerns.
