President Ferdinand Marcos has officially declared the Philippine gaming operators, or POGO ban, in effect on Monday, July 22nd, 2024. This announcement is made after the growing concerns from lawmakers, civil society, and even the president’s economic managers in addressing the matter.
“The grave disorder they created to our system of laws must stop now,” President Marcos stated during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Effective today, all POGOs are banned.”
The announcement of the POGO ban declaration has led the audience at the SONA to give a standing ovation and chant his initials. Many of the present audiences are reported to be government officials and guests at the Batasang Pambansa Session Hall.
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The President also instructed the state regulator, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), to cease all POGO operations by the end of the year.
Pagcor Chair Alejandro Tengco vowed to follow the President’s order on the POGO ban within the remaining months of 2024.
Tengco stated that he was not surprised by the announcement of the banning of POGO in the Philippines. He emphasized that he had no qualms about the declaration, despite favoring strong regulation rather than an outright ban. However, he warned that illegal gaming hub activities would increase as a result of the ban.
President Marcos mentions that the labor department, in collaboration with the economic managers, would use the remaining time to find new jobs. This is to address the many Filipino workers who will be displaced after the POGO ban. Earlier, Dole estimated that around 25,000 workers could find themselves jobless as a result of the declaration.
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However, the Chief Executive stressed that it will solve many of their current problems, but not all of them. He urged all officials, as well as every employee, law enforces, and even citizens to be vigilant and principled in order to solve all the problems they are facing currently.
Additionally, many officials and lawmakers alike widely welcome the President’s POGO ban declaration. Many of them share their positive reactions in many ways.
“Finally, after two years, POGOs are banned!” Sen. Sherwin Gathalian said in an ambush interview after the SONA.
“Yes, I predict that SONA will be the talk of the town because of the POGO ban,” Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said in a text message.
“I was happy the President made a national policy statement which we never expected.” Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said. “I know that PBBM is a listening President and heard the strong clamor of the people to totally ban POGOs in the country.”
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