Gatchalian: Suspension of Porac execs a warning for others on Pogo ops

Sen. Win Gatchalian —Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The preventive suspension of local officials of Porac, Pampanga for “gross neglect of duty” over the illegal activities at an unlicensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in the town should serve as a lesson for local officials according to Sen. Win Gatchalian.

In a statement on Wednesday, the senator said local officials who continue to tolerate illegal Pogo operations despite the President’s directive for a total ban should be warned.

READ: Porac mayor, 10 more execs suspended over Pogo hub

“Local officials should never turn a blind eye to illegal activities of criminal syndicates in their areas as they will eventually face the consequences of their action,” said Gatchalian.

The senator said he commends what he called “swift action taken” by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Among the local officials placed under preventive suspension is Mayor Jaime Capil.

President Bongbong Marcos previously ordered the ban of Pogos nationwide, subsequently directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by end of 2024.