Metro Manila, Philippines — China has expressed support for the country’s decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos echoes the common interests of both countries.
“We have noted President Marcos’ announcement of banning all POGOs and we welcome this development,” the embassy said.
Beijing adds that Chinese laws ban all forms of gambling and they support its ban in other countries.
“The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in overseas gambling businesses including POGO. POGO breeds serious crimes and gravely undermines the interests of both Filipino and Chinese peoples. In line with this commitment, China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the two peoples,” it added.
The ban on POGO gained the loudest cheer from lawmakers and attendees in the State of the Nation address on July 22.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture– even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” said Marcos.
The Department of Justice said President Marcos has a lot of remedies or tools at his command to effectively implement the ban.
“One of them is an executive order to concretize his policy directive announced during SONA. However, it would be stronger if the Congress passed a law prohibiting all forms of online gaming here in the Philippines,” Justice spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano told NewsWatch Plus in an interview.
Clavano adds that these have yet to be finalized. He said the Office of the President has a plan but the DOJ has yet to be informed by the plan.
“The DOJ is ready to implement,” said Clavano.
