BONG GO ON POGO BAN: DON’T BE SELECTIVE

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go left a stern reminder to the Marcos administration on the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO): Don’t be selective.

Go made the statement days after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairperson Alejandro Tengco appealed to Malacañang that 12 of the 43 POGO companies in the Philippines be spared from the ban as these are customer service agents for gaming companies.

“Dapat totally talaga. Kapag sinabing ‘totally,’ totally. Huwag naman yung selective na mayroong maiiwan,” Go urged during his visit in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday, July 26.

Earlier, Go has backed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s pronouncement during his 3rd State of the Nation Address that all POGOs in the country are banned “effective immediately.”

“Naghahasik sila (POGOs) ng lagim dito. Compromised na po ang peace and order. Kaya suportado ko po ang desisyon ng adminstration to totally ban all POGO operations,“ Go said in an interview.

As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order, Go said that peace and order and national security must be prioritized in implementing policies and regulating such activities in the country.

“Importante talaga para sa akin ang peace and order. Ayaw ko po na ang Pilipino ang mahihirapan. Importante sa akin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya nga noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Duterte, priority n’ya ang peace and order,” Go reiterated.

Senator Go earlier reaffirmed his long-held position that the government must prioritize the well-being and security of its citizens. Go acknowledged the economic impact of POGOs but highlighted the potential risks and negative consequences of their continued presence.

“Tama lang na huwag na nating hintaying lumala pa ang sitwasyon. Huwag na nating hintaying sarili nating mga mamamayan ang mabiktima ng kriminalidad. Huwag na nating hintaying malagay sa panganib ang seguridad ng ating bansa. Katulad ng sinabi ko noon, mahalaga ang peace and order. Kaya suportado ko na maitigil na ang POGO para mapigilan ang mga krimeng nauugnay dito,” Go said after the President’s latest SONA.

“Ayaw nating madamay pa ang mga ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino na nais mabuhay nang tahimik at mapayapa. At para sa akin, mas mahalaga ang buhay ng bawat tao, ng bawat Pilipino,” he also added.

Senator Go was the Guest of Honor at the closing ceremonies of Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). Widely known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassion for the poor, Go also attended several relief operations and inspected projects he supported such as the new Super Health Center and evacuation facility in the city on the same day.