Star, Inquirer editorials emphasize urgency of dismantling POGOs

CHEERS TO the editorials of The Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer that highlighted the criminality involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), stressing the need to fully shut down their operations by the end of the 2024.

The Star on December 4 observed that the current political feud between President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte has distracted government attention from the deadline set for the POGO ban. The editorial noted the issues that government has to deal with in keeping track of POGOs. These may have started operating underground in the guise of legitimate businesses such as resorts and restaurants. Enforcement will also require tracing foreign nationals working illegally with fake documents showing Philippine citizenship.

The editorial also identified crimes linked to POGOs including cyber-scams, kidnapping, torture and murder. The Star pointed out the challenge confronting the efforts to weed out POGOs because, “Like drug trafficking, gaming is big business.”

For its part, the Inquirer’s November 13 editorial focused on Marcos’ Executive Order (EO) 74 which imposed a total ban on the controversial enterprise. While the EO was praised, it still lacks clear provisions for its implementation; as pointed out by Senator Risa Hontiveros who said these loopholes call for an implementing law to make the ban effective.

The Inquirer acknowledged the slow process of legislation, pointing to the need to enforce the ban and halt POGO operations immediately. President Marcos said in a statement that the EO itself was “sufficient” to enforce the closure of POGOs; a point that the editorial did not discuss.

The Inquirer also identified criminal activities linked to POGOs; and recalled that it was Rodrigo Duterte who opened the country’s doors to the entry of POGOs during his presidency.  It was part of his policy pivot to China and the warm ties he would develop with the Asian superpower. The editorial recalled Duterte’s view that the POGO industry would boost the economy, although a study done by the Department of Finance identified the risks associated with the business as outweighing its benefits.

That two leading broadsheets of national circulation took a clear position against POGOs points to the urgency of forming a clear policy to halt these operations. Such action would require strong political will to overcome opposition as well as to prosecute related criminal activities. Gambling means money and jobs.

Newsrooms should keep eyes on the issue, fixing public attention on a multifaceted problem. Journalists should be ready to give the public the complete story and explore its different angles to consolidate a consensus to rid the country of this plague. The current administration should be true to its word and pursue the ban for the good of the country.