On February 20th, Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the 12-member senatorial candidate lineup he leads believes that the prosperity of the Philippines should not depend on illegal industries, such as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Marcos spoke at a coalition campaign rally held in Luneta, emphasizing that the government should focus on providing genuine job opportunities rather than relying on industries that foster crime and violence.
"From an economic and employment perspective, we do not need illegal industries like POGO. They have become hotbeds of crime and violence. The real solution is to create legal and stable job opportunities, offer decent wages, and support the development of small businesses," said Marcos.
POGO has been highly controversial in the Philippines in recent years due to its involvement in illegal activities, human trafficking, and fraudulent crimes, with the government intensifying its crackdown. Marcos's statement is also seen as a signal of his government's further efforts to combat POGO.
