The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has dismissed a fake memo circulating online that claims to order the imminent closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.
The fake memo, which has been shared widely on social media and messaging platforms, purported to be from Pagcor’s office and bore the agency’s official letterhead. It stated that POGO operations would be suspended indefinitely due to regulatory violations and concerns over money laundering and illegal activities.
However, Pagcor quickly issued a statement denying the authenticity of the memo and clarifying that there are no plans to shut down POGO operations in the Philippines. The agency emphasized that it is committed to regulating the industry and ensuring that all operators comply with Philippine laws and regulations.
“We would like to assure the public that the fake memo ordering the closure of POGOs is not from Pagcor. We are currently investigating the source of this misinformation and will take appropriate action against those responsible for spreading false information,” said Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo.
POGOs have been a contentious issue in the Philippines, with critics accusing them of fueling crime and corruption in the country. However, the industry has also been a major source of revenue for the government, with POGOs generating billions of pesos in taxes and licensing fees each year.
Pagcor has been working to crack down on illegal POGO operators and ensure that all legitimate operators comply with regulations. The agency has implemented stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities in the industry.
In light of the fake memo circulating online, Pagcor has urged the public to be vigilant and verify information from official sources. The agency also reminded the public that spreading false information about POGOs and other regulated industries is a punishable offense.
“The spread of fake news and misinformation only serves to undermine the integrity of our regulatory processes and create unnecessary panic among stakeholders. We urge the public to exercise caution and rely on official communications from Pagcor,” said Domingo.
Despite the challenges facing the POGO industry, Pagcor remains committed to ensuring that all operators comply with regulations and contribute to the growth and development of the Philippine gaming industry. The agency will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of the industry and uphold the rule of law.
