EDITORIAL: Victory Achieved

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent announcement during his State of the Nation Address marks a significant turning point in the Philippines’ handling of offshore gaming operations.

By ordering a complete ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Marcos has addressed a long-standing issue fraught with controversy and criminal activity.

The decision to shut down POGOs heeds the urgent calls from various sectors alarmed by the scandals of money laundering, immigration bribery, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking.

The culmination of these activities has not only damaged the country’s reputation but also strained its social fabric, with crimes associated with POGOs becoming alarmingly common.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s endorsement of the ban further underscores the detrimental impact of POGOs on the nation. The purported financial benefits from taxes and fees are overshadowed by the staggering social costs.

The Philippine National Police, for instance, has been burdened with addressing the crimes linked to these entities, negating any fiscal advantage they may have brought.

The ban also comes after a comprehensive Senate investigation, which cast a spotlight on the murky operations of POGOs, including allegations involving Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of POGOs, has called the decision a “huge victory for the entire country.” Her Senate committee’s relentless pursuit of accountability has been instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront of national consciousness.

The roots of POGOs can be traced back to 2016, during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, when licenses for these operations were initially processed to generate additional revenue.

However, the rapid expansion of POGOs, many of which are backed by Chinese nationals, soon revealed their association with criminal activities. Despite repeated calls from the Chinese government to halt these operations, it took years for decisive action to be taken.

President Marcos’ directive to the labor department to find jobs for those displaced by the ban is a crucial component of this policy shift, ensuring that the impact on Filipino workers is mitigated.

As the nation moves forward, it is essential to remain vigilant and ensure that similar industries do not arise again to exploit legal loopholes and compromise the country’s integrity.

The President’s firm stance on banning POGOs is a commendable first step toward restoring national pride and ensuring a safer environment for Filipinos. The Senate’s continued efforts to hold accountable those who facilitated POGO operations, along with calls for strengthened policies, are critical to sustaining this progress.

As Archbishop Socrates Villegas aptly put it, this decision is “God’s answer to our prayers for what is best for the country.” It is now up to all stakeholders to maintain the momentum, ensuring that the Philippines emerges stronger and more united in its commitment to justice and the rule of law.