BONG GO SUPPORTS MOVE TO BAN POGOs

In a significant development during the 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced his decisive action to stop Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the administration’s decision to totally ban POGOs, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing peace and order, and the security of Filipino citizens.

“Kaisa rin po tayo sa anunsyo ng Pangulo na total ban sa POGO operations sa buong bansa. Nararapat lamang gawing prayoridad ang peace and order at security ng mga Pilipino,” Go said in a statement in response to the most recent SONA.

Despite the industry’s substantial revenue and employment contributions, concerns over the criminal activities associated with POGOs have reportedly escalated.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglapastangan sa ating bansa. Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” President Marcos remarked in his SONA.

Senator Go meanwhile 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.

Recently, POGO hubs have reportedly become hotbeds of criminality, particularly torture, kidnapping, sexual abuse and prostitution, among others. These threats to peace and order and the perceived risks on national security constitute a very hefty social cost that far outweigh whatever benefits, according to Senator Go.

“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,” Go said.

Meanwhile, Senator Go assured the public of his continued vigilance and oversight regarding the fulfillment of the President’s promises mentioned in his third SONA.

“Sumusuporta naman ako sa mga magagandang programa at plano ng administrasyon. Ngunit mas inaantabayanan ko ang resulta ng mga ito na dapat ay mapapakinabangan ng mga mahihirap nating kababayang Pilipino,” he said.

“Ang importante talaga sa bawat SONA ay hindi lamang ang salitang binibitawan ng Pangulo, kundi ang aksyon na susunod dito para maisakatuparan ang serbisyong naipapangako sa taumbayan,” Go added.

Go further urged the administration to give priority to policies and programs that will directly benefit and uplift the lives of the poor by addressing inflation, unemployment and hunger.

“Nananawagan po ako sa Ehekutibo na tiyaking prayoridad ang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap. Ang importante po: walang maiiwan, walang magugutom na Pilipino,” Go appealed.

He also stressed the need to assist Filipinos whose livelihoods may be affected by this decision, saying: “We, in the government, should ensure that we provide necessary support and opportunities to our fellow Filipinos whose jobs are impacted.”

“Together, we must work towards a more peaceful and orderly Philippines, free from the negative influences and dangers posed by POGOs,” he concluded.