INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to prohibit all forms of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country and impose strict penalties on violators has been approved by the House of Representatives Committee on Games and Amusement.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the panel greenlighted the approval of House Bill No. 10987, or the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act, in consolidation with other bills on the Pogo ban.
Cavite 5th District Rep. Roy M. Loyola motioned to approve the measures.
READ: DOLE completes profiling of about 27,000 Filipino Pogo workers
“After hearing the position of all the special speakers for today’s hearing, everybody agreed in support of the banning of the Philippine offshore gaming operation,” Loyola said
“I move that we approve House Bill No. 10987 in consolidation with House Bill No. 5082, 10525, 10636, and 10725, subject to style. Likewise, I move for the approval of the Committee Report on the same,” he added.
After it was seconded, his move was approved by panel chair, Cavite Rep. Antonio Ferrer.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
During his State of the Nation Address this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. banned all Pogos.
He also instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease Pogos’ operation by the end of 2024.