While the industry awaits detailed guidelines for the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns about the potential “rebranding” of these firms in the country.
According to local media outlet Inquirer, Hontiveros warned that POGOs might attempt to rebrand or find new ways to operate, such as transforming into call centres or relocating to special economic zones. She criticised these potential schemes as deceptive and unacceptable.
Her remarks followed the discovery of the first illegal POGO hub in Cebu, Visayas, where authorities rescued 162 foreign nationals, including six Indonesians who were initially sought after.
Hontiveros highlighted that these sophisticated scam operators are transnational. Senate hearings have revealed that these hubs persist due to the forced labour of human trafficking victims, both Filipino and foreign.
According to the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), this constitutes economic sabotage. The senator emphasised that current Senate efforts are focused on finding effective solutions to completely shut down POGOs in the Philippines.
She pointed out that Senate hearings have revealed many POGOs are operated by organised criminal groups, with some involvement from public officials.
In this context, the senator stressed the need to hold accountable those officials who have facilitated and continue to support these businesses.
Additionally, Hontiveros expressed concern over the ongoing underground operations of POGOs in the country and urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively on the total ban ordered by President Marcos.
Source:: Asia Gaming Brief
