Malacañang said President Duterte has no basis yet to ban or even just suspend Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) despite the numerous issues and crimes surrounding the industry.
In his Palace press briefing Thursday, Panelo said Duterte cannot be rushed to ban or suspend POGOs since the issues on illegal immigration, corruption, prostitution, kidnapping, and even killing are still under investigation.
According to Panelo, Duterte only decides on something if he has “the goods” to back up his decision.
The Senate has been conducting hearings on the issues surrounding POGOs. So far, it was revealed that Immigration officers were accepting bribes to let Chinese nationals inside the country and there was prostitution involving POGOs. The issues of money laundering and even possible infiltration by the Chinese military were also raised.
Meanwhile, Panelo refuted Senator Richard Gordon’s claim that the crimes surrounding POGOs were taking place because the government was too soft on China.
“I disagree. Then he does not know this President. The President is never soft on anything that relates to the national interest. He is a very decisive President,” he said. (Argyll Geducos)
