The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is facing difficulties in enforcing a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) with links to China, citing the challenges of identifying and penalizing these operators. PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo revealed that the regulatory body is struggling to crack down on POGOs that have ties to Chinese nationals or companies, as they often use false identities and subterfuge to hide their connections.
The issue of Chinese-linked POGOs has been a major concern in the Philippines, as these operators have been accused of various illegal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, and tax evasion. In response to these concerns, the Philippine government imposed a ban on POGOs that are connected to China in September 2020, in an effort to clamp down on illicit gambling activities and protect the country’s national security.
However, enforcing the ban has proven to be a daunting task for PAGCOR, as many Chinese-linked POGOs continue to operate under the radar, evading detection by the authorities. Chairman Domingo admitted that the lack of cooperation and transparency from these operators has made it difficult for PAGCOR to enforce the ban effectively, leading to calls for exemptions to be granted to certain POGOs.
Domingo argued that while PAGCOR remains committed to upholding the ban on Chinese-linked POGOs, there may be legitimate operators that have inadvertently fallen afoul of the restrictions. She emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to regulating the industry, suggesting that exemptions could be granted on a case-by-case basis to POGOs that can demonstrate their compliance with Philippine laws and regulations.
In the meantime, PAGCOR is stepping up its efforts to monitor and enforce the ban on Chinese-linked POGOs, working closely with law enforcement agencies and other authorities to crack down on illegal gambling activities. The regulatory body is also calling on the public to report any suspicious POGO operations to help them identify and penalize violators of the ban.
Despite the challenges faced by PAGCOR in enforcing the ban, Chairman Domingo remains confident that the regulatory body will be able to effectively regulate the POGO industry and protect the country from illicit activities. She emphasized the importance of cooperation and vigilance from all stakeholders in ensuring the integrity of the gaming sector in the Philippines.
