Bishops welcome ban on POGOs

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s order of a total ban on offshore gambling firms has been welcomed by Catholic bishops.

Bishop Rupert Santos of the Diocese of Antipolo described the chief executive’s move as “the best decision.”

“It is good for our country, particularly in the midst of its allegedly linked to activities of crimes, scams, and torture,” Santos said.

Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued also lauded Marcos’ declaration to end the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“I am personally happy that POGO has been banned,” Jaucian told Manila archdiocese-run Radio Veritas.

In his State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos outlawed the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), an industry dominated by Chinese firms.

POGOs, which started during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, have been linked to an increase in crime, a concern raised by several bishops.

Aside from prostitution, the industry has been linked to crimes including online scam, human trafficking, illegal immigration and employment, kidnapping and even drugs.

“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa!” Marcos declared.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” he continued.

He also instructed the state gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to “wind down” the widespread and mostly Chinese-run gambling industry by the end of the year.

Despite Marcos’ pronouncements on POGOs, questions arose after reports surfaced of POGOs recently being renamed as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs).

In May, Pagcor reportedly issued regular licenses to 40 IGLs, along with nine provincial licenses.

Bishop Santos urged the government to prioritize the welfare of the people and the nation over profit “by getting rid of the breeding grounds for drugs, gambling, and prostitution”. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.