Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to announce a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“Sana gulatin tayo ng presidente with a surprise announcement of his kasi ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ siya nang ‘Bagong Pilipinas’. ‘Di meron siyang bagong polisiya tungkol sa POGO, hinto na niya ‘yan,” Pimentel stated to the media.
(I hope the President will make a surprise announcement. He keeps saying ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ and this would be a new policy.)
Pimentel expressed concerns that POGOs have attracted foreign nationals who may be involved in criminal activities and abuses, arguing that a ban would be a positive step for the Philippines.
Raids on POGO operations have revealed potential involvement in investment scams, human trafficking, and torture.
“Of course, I advise them to improve and increase their security pero ‘yun na nga: We should not be happy na ganitong klaseng tao ang pinapapunta natin sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Additionally, Pimentel hopes the President will highlight his administration’s achievements during the 3rd SONA, particularly in agriculture, as the nation grapples with rising food and rice prices.
He also seeks updates on the government’s housing initiatives, expressing skepticism about whether the sector can meet its goals despite receiving substantial allocations from the national budget.