Malacañang Palace stated that if Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGO) are found to cause social issues similar to those caused by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not hesitate to implement a total ban.
Vice Minister of Presidential Communications and Spokesperson Claire Castro, in response to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero's concerns about the potential negative impacts of PIGO, stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and conducting thorough research to assess the impact of local online gambling on the nation's social and economic environment.
“Currently, relevant departments are continuously studying PIGO to ensure that it does not lead to illegal activities,” Castro emphasized, noting that the government is comparing the operational models of POGO and PIGO to determine if the latter could lead to similar issues.
She pointed out that, according to existing studies, PIGO has not yet been found directly related to serious crimes. Moreover, unlike POGO, which primarily employs foreign labor, 90% of PIGO's workforce consists of local Filipinos, which somewhat reduces issues of illegal immigration and labor exploitation.
Economically, Castro mentioned that PIGO contributes to the Philippine economy through legal taxes and domestic marketing expenditures, and has better compliance than POGO. However, she also made it clear that if PIGO eventually causes legal issues previously seen with POGO, the President will not hesitate to impose a ban.
“If PIGO also becomes a hotbed for crime like POGO, the President will decisively order its prohibition based on concrete data,” Castro added.
Previously, due to POGO's frequent involvement in human trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, President Marcos had already ordered a complete ban last year. The government will continue to closely monitor the gambling industry to ensure it does not affect national security and social stability.
