Hontiveros: Local gov’ts ‘liable’ if they fail to detect Pogo ops

Sen. Risa Hontiveros —SENATE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) are “liable” should they fail to detect the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in their jurisdiction, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday following reports that Pogos are “masking” their operations to avoid apprehension.

Hontiveros was commenting on Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s statement that some Pogos were trying to circumvent the Pogo ban by “disguising” themselves as restaurants and resorts.

READ: DILG: Some Pogos using ‘disguises’ to thwart ban

“LGUs have liabilities and even the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and other departments mentioned in a hearing that they are looking forward to the amendment of the local government code to strengthen the power of the DILG and LGUs to identify, investigate, probe, and discipline local government officials who are providing legal cover to Pogos,” Hontiveros said at the Kapihan sa Senado forum.

Before Remulla’s disclosure, Hontiveros flagged the “alarming trend” of emerging guerilla scam operations, allegedly taking over the presence of Pogos.

READ: Hontiveros warns vs emerging guerrilla scam operations

During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address last July, he announced the Pogo ban and subsequently ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and stop Pogo operations by the end of the year.

READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’