Fight vs Pogos ‘far from over,’ Gatchalian says after raid near Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Win Gatchalian said the campaign against illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) was “far from over” after a hub was raided near the Senate.

On Thursday evening, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found a Pogo operation at the Kimberhi Building on Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City, 650 meters from the Senate building.

READ: PAOCC finds an illegal Pogo still operating near Senate

“Nilabag na nga ang utos ng Pangulo na itigil na ang operasyon ng Pogo, nagawa pa nilang patakbuhin ito sa mismong likod ng gusali ng Senado, ang institusyong nag-iimbestiga sa mga problemang dulot ng Pogo,” Gatchalian said.

(They already defied the President’s order to cease Pogo operations and even had the nerve to run it behind the Senate, the institution investigating Pogos’ problems.)

“While I commend authorities for the successful raid, I urge them to closely coordinate with local governments and other concerned agencies to fully eliminate all Pogo operations in the country,” the senator added.

READ: Bad for relations: China presses PH to ban Pogos

Last May, Gatchalian filed a bill repealing the law taxing Pogos, which had effectively legitimized its operations.

READ: Gatchalian files bill to eventually outlaw POGOs: ‘It’s a moral failing’