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AkoOFW warns: POGO may use e-sabong return as precedent for its comeback

News release August 14, 2024 at 07:32 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Amid ongoing efforts marked by a well-funded lobbying campaign to revive e-sabong, an advocacy group has warned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to fall into a trap he would soon regret.

In a statement, Ako-OFW chairman Dr. Chie Umandap called on the public to stand firm against what could be the tip of something larger. He claims that allowing e-sabong to resume operations could potentially be used to justify the “resurrection” of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

“Hindi tayo pwede magkampante sa mga sinasabi lang, dahil baka malusutan tayo at magising na lang tayo na bukas na uli ang online sabong,” Umandap said, adding:

“Ang masaklap, baka kapag nakapag-operate ang e-sabong, maging basehan pa ng mga kasabwat sa gobyerno para payagan na rin ulit ang POGO sa Pilipinas… Pinatigil ang e-sabong, pilit na binabalik. Pinatigil ang POGO, ibabalik rin ba? Wag naman. Bad ‘yon!”

E-sabong was banned by the previous administration due to the social damages it caused and the disappearance of 37 cockfighting aficionados.

Three weeks ago, in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos announced an effective and immediate restriction of all POGOs due to a long list of criminal activities, including human trafficking, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, and financial scams, among others.

Umandap stated that it is rather immoral for the government to revive what has already been restricted due to documented social damages.

“In my humble opinion, there are other ways where we can generate revenue, and definitely neither POGO nor e-sabong could be considered,” the Ako-OFW advocate further stated.

📷 Ako-OFW

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