Over in the province of Batangas, the City Council of Batangas recently approved a resolution for the banning of the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within their jurisdiction, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Batangas City Council has approved a resolution banning the application and operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the city.
The decision was made during a regular session on Monday, June 24, 2024.
The move came in light of issues and an ongoing Senate investigation into POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly involved the local government unit (LGU) there.
“Saying it is with regard to the issue at Bamban, Tarlac na investigation ng Senate sa POGO involving the LGU. It would give assurance din sa mga Batangueno na hindi dapat matakot sa mga POGO activities dito sa Batangas City,” Nestor Dimacuha, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules, said.
For Mary Jane Ante, a 39-year-old helper at a small eatery in Batangas City, the ban brings great relief. Despite knowing that POGOs could provide many jobs, she prefers not to have foreign operators in the country due to safety concerns.
“Baka sumakop sila sa Pilipinas. Dito na lang, ayos din para Pilipino na lang ang magtatrabaho sa atin at wala na ‘yung mga taga-ibang bansa,” Ante said.
“Hindi naman talaga maganda ang sugal talaga sa pang araw-araw, kasi nakakaperwisyo yan ng pamilya. Hindi ako pabor sa ganoon. Huwag na lang pumasok dito ang POGO para walang ma-perwisyo,” Arnel Montalbo, a printing shop owner, added.
The resolution cites that POGOs tarnish the dignity of the LGU, leaving no room for such operations in the city. It also serves as a warning to businesses operating secretly as POGOs, despite having business permits.
The council will request the mayor to revoke permits of establishments found to be operating illegally as POGOs.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Batangas did the right move? Do you think more local government units (LGUs) around the country should approve legislation banning POGOs?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
+++++
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Author Carlo Carrasco 