Romualdez backs Marcos’ stance on banning Pogos, WPS ownership

Speaker Martin Romualdez during the State of the Nation Address 2024 at Batasan Complex. Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has thrown his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo), saying that it shows the administration’s commitment to lawful economic activities.

Romualdez in a statement hours after Marcos’ 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) said that the President’s directive to government agencies to find jobs for those who will be displaced by the ban also reveals a compassionate side.

Marcos announced in his Sona that all Pogos are banned — drawing cheers and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests present at the Batasang Pambansa complex.

READ: Highlights: Sona 2024

“This bold move underscores the President’s commitment to lawful economic practices,” Romualdez said.

“(The President tasking the Department of Labor and Employment to find jobs for POGO workers who will be displaced by his directive) shows a compassionate approach to the transition,” he added.

READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ 

Marcos in his speech said all Pogos are banned, instructing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to “wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year”.

Romualdez initially was lukewarm about the idea of a total ban on Pogos, saying in a past interview that he preferred a strict enforcement of laws to avoid erring operators.

Romualdez feared that a total ban might only force Pogos to go underground — which means the government can no longer regulate them, possibly leading to more crimes emanating from it.

READ: Romualdez: Ban illegal Pogos only; total ban may lead to underground ops 

West Philippine Sea

Romualdez also heaped praise for Marcos’ firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, as he said that the Philippines’ ownership of the disputed region is not an imagination but a reality that will stay forever.

Marcos’ remarks about the WPS also drew a standing ovation.

“The President’s declaration that the WPS is rightfully ours is a powerful assertion of our national sovereignty,” Romualdez said.

“(The President’s expression of gratitude to the military, Coast Guard, and fisherfolk for their relentless efforts in defending the WPS) underscores their vital role in upholding national integrity,” he added.

The administration’s pursuit of a war against illegal drugs that adheres with human rights standards also caught Romualdez’ eye, saying that this approach ensures the community’s safety.

“The President’s stance that extermination is not a policy of this government, along with the significant reduction of drug-affected villages, the interception of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs, and the high conviction rate of drug offenders, are commendable achievements,” he said.

“This approach ensures community safety while upholding human rights,” Romualdez added.