Philippines warns Timor-Leste about potential Pogo relocation

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has warned Timor-Leste about the possible relocation of offshore gaming operations to their country.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the warning during his state visit to Timor-Leste on October 1.

The DOJ said that during Remulla’s meeting with Timor Leste officials, he shared reports suggesting that their country could be a potential destination for the relocation of Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogos).

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“Given the shared Catholic heritage and values of both the Philippines and Timor Leste, the Philippine government deemed it essential to inform Timor Leste of the potential socio-economic and security challenges posed by allowing Pogos to operate within its borders,” the DOJ said.

Remulla also told Timor Leste officials about the socio-economic and security challenges the Philippines has faced due to these offshore gaming operations.

“The visit served as an important channel to encourage Timor Leste to critically examine the broader implications of welcoming Pogos and how these activities might affect its domestic affairs,” the DOJ said.

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Last July, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. banned all Pogo operations in the country after lawmakers and critics repeatedly pointed out that their minimal economic contributions were overshadowed by significant social costs, including links to criminal activities such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering.