THE Department of Justice yesterday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order banning the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country covers all offshore gaming firms, including those licensed by economic zones.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said if there was confusion as to which firms were covered by the President’s statement banning POGO operations during his State of the Nation Address last July, Executive Order 74 which was issued last week made it clear that the ban covers both illegal and licensed POGO hubs, even those operating in economic zones.
EO 74 was issued last November 4 formalizing the prohibition on POGOs, internet gaming licensee, and other offshore gaming operations, which are all mandated to cease operations by December 31 this year.
“This one now clears the air so to speak na lahat na ng offshore gaming operators and internet gaming licensee ay covered regardless kung sinuman ang nag isyu (This one now clears the air so to speak that all offshore gaming operators and internet gaming licenses are covered no matter who issued it),” Vasquez told Teleradyo in an interview.
On Saturday, Malacañang ordered the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) to adhere to the President’s directive after CEZA administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile and her father, chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said the ban should not destroy the operations of the economic zone, including its offshore gaming licensees.
The Enriles said CEZA has no POGO licensees and that foreign gaming operators it licensed are operating legally and are not allowed to accept or solicit bets from the country and countries where gambling is prohibited.
Vasquez said EO 74 made it very clear that CEZA and other economic zones are mandated to comply with the President’s order.
“With finality and clarity, ang EO na yan ang nag alis ng lahat ng duda at tanong (This EO made it clear and final that all POGOs must go),” he said.
Meanwhile, the PNP yesterday vowed to intensify its operations against POGO hubs across the country as it welcomed the President’s executive order.
In a statement, the PNP said it “fully supports” the President’s directive to immediately ban POGOs and all associated offshore gaming activities under EO 74.
“This decisive measure is in alignment with our commitment to enhancing national security, maintaining public order, and protecting our communities from the adverse impacts linked to POGO operations, including rising crime rates, social instability, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” the PNP said.
The PNP said it will enhance its collaboration with other agencies to end POGO operations in the country.
“In response to this directive, the PNP is prepared to intensify enforcement operations and collaborate closely with relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the ban,” it said.
“Our dedicated PNP Task Force Skimmer, specifically established to address POGO-related activities, will spearhead efforts to dismantle illegal operations and ensure compliance with the Executive Order,” it added as it reiterated its appeal to the public to report to authorities the presence of POGO in their areas.
“Together, we can reinforce our commitment to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity and safety of our nation,” it said. – With Victor Reyes
