By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo City Council passed a resolution on Wednesday, July 17, banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within the city during its regular session.
Councilor Romel Duron, who proposed the resolution, clarified that the intent is to impose a total ban on POGO operations, including internet gaming licenses and local gaming agents.
He argued that allowing POGO operations would tarnish the city’s reputation, given their associations with various criminal activities such as human trafficking, illegal recruitment, swindling, and criminal bribery.
These activities were deemed significant enough to warrant the ban, with the council emphasizing the need to protect public welfare and security.
The resolution stated that the social costs of POGO operations far outweigh any perceived economic benefits.
On June 8, Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order No. 94, declaring POGO activities illegal in Iloilo City.
The resolution passed by the City Council further strengthens this stance by outrightly rejecting any requests for a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) from prospective POGO operators.
The resolution aligns with House Bill 5082 and House Bill 1197, which seek to ban POGO operations nationwide.
In an interview, Duron explained that the resolution serves as a preemptive measure, ensuring that any future POGO applications are denied.
“This is a preemptive measure. If ever somebody applies, we will deny it. At least they are already warned that we do not allow POGO operations. This also serves as a message to support the national concern over the matter of national security,” Duron stated.
“We have a law taxing POGOs, and there is also a law that requires the LGUs to give their consent to the operation of POGOs. Even PAGCOR cannot operate without obtaining necessary consents,” he added.
POGO operations began in 2003, initially generating job opportunities for Filipinos and attracting foreign workers.
However, the industry has been associated with several criminal activities, with over 4,000 related crimes reported since its inception.
In response, the council established a Committee of the Whole, led by City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, to investigate these illegal activities and develop recommendations for further legislative or policy actions.
