Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 5) — President Rodrigo Duterte may order all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to temporarily halt their operations amid the wide range of crimes allegedly involving Chinese workers.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said mounting allegations of corruption, money laundering, and sex trafficking, among other issues, may lead Duterte to order the suspension of POGO operations — the same way he ordered a stop to lotto games over “massive corruption.”
“The President, if you remember, suspended operations of lotteries when he received certain complaints of anomalies. Kung talagang grabe na ang complaints, may gagawin si Presidente diyan,” he said in a media briefing.
[Translation: If you remember, the President suspended lotto games when he received complaints of anomalies. If there are serious complaints, he will also do something about it.]
But he clarified he has yet to consult the President if it’s an option. Malacañang did not directly respond to whether the government feels insulted by some Chinese nationals conducting illegal activities in the country.
“What is important is we respond to whatever allegations of corruption or practice, we prosecute them,” he said.
Senator Richard Gordon said the Philippines’ close ties with China under the Duterte administration has paved the way for the entry of “dirty money” in the Philippines. He said that authorities, under Duterte’s leadership, has become “too soft” on China and its citizens’ misdemeanors.
On Tuesday, Gordon bared that 47 individuals, mostly Chinese nationals, arrived in the Philippines carrying $447 million or ₱22.7 billion, citing information from the Bureau of Customs. He said this huge amount could be linked to POGOs in the country. The Bureau of Internal Revenue earlier revealed that over ₱27 billion worth of tax liabilities remain uncollected from the POGO sector. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Gordon will hold an investigation into this issue on Thursday.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has also revealed that some Chinese POGO workers conspired with immigration personnel to dodge background checks upon entering the country, paying bribes under what is billed as “pastillas” scheme. She also exposed that the increased presence of POGOs led to the rise of prostitution dens in the country.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said the crimes allegedly committed by Chinese nationals in the country are just “isolated incidents” and do not reflect the Philippines’ relationship with China.
Panelo maintained there is no special treatment for Chinese nationals despite Duterte’s warm ties with Chinese officials.
Related: Pagcor willing to shut down POGOs if crimes, tax issues not resolved
