Philippine Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero recently called on the government to reassess the local online gambling operators (PIGO), questioning their social harm which he believes is comparable to the previously banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Escudero pointed out in a statement that while the government has banned POGO, which mainly targeted foreigners, it allows PIGO to operate legally within the country, essentially transferring the social risks of gambling to the Filipino people. He emphasized, "We banned the foreigner-focused POGO, yet we allow the domestically-targeted PIGO to continue. Is this reasonable?"
Moreover, he warned that some of the banned POGOs might just be rebranded and continue operating as PIGOs. "Now, it is not foreigners but Filipinos who suffer from gambling addiction, family breakdowns, and financial losses. These PIGO companies are likely the same groups as the former POGOs."
Data shows that the PIGO industry generates billions of pesos annually, becoming a significant part of the Philippine gambling market. However, Escudero questions whether these economic benefits are sufficient to offset their negative impact on society. He urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to disclose the operational data of PIGO and to use the government's previous decision-making logic on POGO as a reference.
"The government once gave up substantial tax revenue from POGO due to crime issues. If PIGO similarly endangers the Filipino people, especially the low-income groups, then the government should also take decisive action."
In recent years, the Philippine government has strengthened the regulation of online gambling, successively banning e-sabong and POGO. Currently, at least two bills that completely prohibit online gambling are under consideration in the Senate. Escudero's call may push for stricter regulation of PIGO, and even lead to the enactment of related bans.
