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Abalos wants inter-agency approach in banning POGOs

Article (news)

Niko Baua

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he has consulted with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco in following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in banning Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country.Abalos said they were both on the same page that other government agencies should be tapped in enforcing the order, especially since it involves thousands of workers who will be affected.“Papaano ang gagawin dito? Pag sarado na sila, paano na? How do we get them out of the county? Dapat ma-account sila,” he said.Abalos also said they will sit down and meet with other agencies so that they can come up with a plan in banning POGOs.“We have to meet inter-agency, from DOLE, PAGCOR, DOJ and other departments. Number one ang workers na madidisplace, yun ang paguusapan namin,” he added.According to Abalaos, he will also clarify the status of some POGOs because some have been able to acquire internet gaming licenses. While this is something they have to discuss, Abalos said Tengco explained to him that legitimate POGOs were only allowed in the National Capital Region and Cavite. He also said all the other POGOS in provinces like Pampanga and Tarlac are all illegal.He added that he will also meet with leaders of LGUs in explaining to them that they should also identify and monitor clandestine POGOs in their own areas.Abalos said he will write a letter to Philippine Economic Zone Authority regarding the status of POGOs in economic zones.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he has consulted with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco in following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in banning Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he has consulted with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco in following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in banning Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country.