POGOs to stay; revenues to fund COVID-19 response, among others – Pres. Duterte

The opposition have been attacking the presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and that the seemingly non-response of the Duterte administration to do some drastic measures when these places have been linked to different crimes like that of prostitution, money-laundering , and human trafficking to name a few.

A few days back, Malacanang already made a statement that it would not outright close POGOs operation in the country pending a thorough investigation made by government authorities.

Amidst the controversies hounding POGOs, the Chief executive believes the country needs the revenues raised from the operation of these gambling sites

(photo credit to owner)

"He (President Duterte) will not suspend it nor will he stop it," Panelo said 

"He told me the report of the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) head was good, so OK. We need the funds coming from them," he added.      

The revenues coming from these gambling sites are the ones funding several government projects including the higher salaries of nurses and teachers. He said revenues from POGOs may also be used to combat the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"Ngayon meron na naman tayong problema sa coronavirus, pwede rin nating pagkuhanan yun (Now that we have a problem due to the coronavirus, we can get funds from that)," Atty. Panelo said.

"All of these are possible. The money we can get from whatever source, that is supposed to be for the government. So the government can use that in any undertaking," he added.

The Presidential spokesperson which is also the Presidential Legal adviser of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the problems being raised by the opposition can be properly addressed through the strict enforcement of laws.

"All you have to do is to implement established law and regulations," Panelo said.

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Report from Philstar

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