CIBAC Party-List Representative, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, expressed approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s clear directive in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22 to terminate the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year.

Villanueva, however, anticipates further comprehensive statements outlining the government’s concrete plan to eradicate graft and corruption, a central pillar of CIBAC’s advocacy.

“The directive of the President is a very welcome development to CIBAC Party-List’s anti-gambling advocacy. Since day one, we have been saying that POGO is not of God, will do the country harm, and will invite divine wrath and curses to our nation,” Villanueva explained.

In his third State of the Nation Address, President Marcos declared a nationwide ban on all POGO operators, responding to mounting pressure from recent months. This decisive action followed a Senate investigation spearheaded by Senator Risa Hontiveros, which exposed alleged criminal activities involving Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned. I hereby instruct PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” Marcos stressed.

Marcos emphasized that POGO operations had delved into criminal activities, including financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.

Villanueva has been a staunch critic, vehemently denouncing the detrimental impact of POGO operations since their inception in the country.

“In fact, its ill effects are already manifested by various social costs which far outweigh its alleged benefits,” he said.

He hopes the President’s SONA announcement will lead to the total eradication of gambling.

“The President’s POGO ban should ultimately refresh government resolve to stamp out all forms of gambling in the country. We earnestly hope and pray that this policy will be translated into complete implementation,” said the CIBAC solon.

CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie is the author of House Bill 4522, which aims to ban online gambling in the country.

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