This round of POGO crackdown in the Philippines is unprecedented, with many gambling companies being banned and employees deported, which has somewhat alleviated the crime and chaos in Philippine society.
However, POGO, due to its involvement in some people's interests, is not being vigorously promoted everywhere. Due to autonomous policies, there is still some leeway left for gambling, making it almost impossible to resolve completely.
Looking at the current situation of the POGO industry, there are several scenarios: first, from Central Luzon to Clark, the eradication has been relatively thorough.
Further north to Bataan, there has been no effective regulation, especially in the Bataan Economic Development Zone, which has become another hub for gambling, with gambling buildings still under construction and personnel still entering.
Second, the Southern Luzon area is actually a disaster zone for POGO. Although there are some actions in Inland Lake and Batangas, the enforcement is perfunctory and selective. Southern Luzon is the birthplace of gambling, with practitioners having strong backgrounds, and no one truly wants or dares to take action, so gambling in Southern Luzon continues to flourish.
Third, there is a trend of gambling moving outward, to the outer islands, including Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and even Siquijor Island will bear traces.
Fourth, POGO is going underground, breaking up into pieces and dispersing into various communities, especially high-end residential areas, making it difficult to clean up.
Fifth, it is disguising itself, blending into online games, a classic bait and switch. The economic development zones should be the focus of attention, as long as the enforcement is genuine, each case can be accurately addressed.
As long as POGO is not completely banned, there is always the possibility of it resurging, especially with local power protection, huge financial temptations, and those bold enough will take the risk. Coupled with the discontinuity of government enforcement and the fragmentation of regional management, no one can guarantee it won’t reoccur.
Speaking of the government, it reminds me of the recent concerns of the Chinese community, which are actually unnecessary worries. The Philippines will not ostracize the Chinese community because the people here are not united in thought, lacking a unified will and action. Moreover, the Chinese have become an inseparable part of Philippine society, with a large part of employment dependent on the Chinese. It is unlikely that people will oppose their benefactors, and in the Philippines, even serious incidents pass with time. What the Chinese need to do is to continue to be kind, do well on their own, as conjecture and suspicion are all harm and no benefit.
As for POGO, it is currently just lying low. Once the conditions are right, it will flare up rapidly. Therefore, the high-pressure stance should not be local and temporary, but a long-term commitment. May there be no more fraud, people live in peace, society be harmonious, and a world without thieves.
