NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Valenzuela City Issues Ordinance Banning POGO Operations
Screengrab from Valenzuela City
Mayor Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City held a press conference today to announce the implementation of three new ordinances aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities, including the prohibition of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within the territorial jurisdiction of Valenzuela City.
During the press conference, Mayor Gatchalian emphasized the need to address the negative impact of POGOs and their associated activities. He expressed his concerns over the exploitation of the Philippines by POGOs, citing a gruesome video he recently watched where fellow Chinese nationals were involved in violent acts. Mayor Gatchalian believed that the Philippines should not be a venue for such activities and that local law enforcement resources should not be burdened further.
Ordinance 1105 disallows POGOs from operating within Valenzuela City. This move aims to prevent the entry and establishment of POGOs, given the numerous problems associated with their operations, including money laundering, prostitution, intimidation, and kidnapping.
In addition, Mayor Gatchalian announced the implementation of two more ordinances.
Ordinance 2023-093 temporarily disallows small-town lottery, e-bingo, e-sabong, online gambling, and other similar activities. This temporary prohibition is meant to prevent the proliferation of various forms of illegal gambling within the city.
Furthermore, Ordinance 2023-092 encompasses a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling within Valenzuela City. This ordinance signifies the city's commitment to eradicating illegal gambling activities and promoting a safer environment for its residents.
Mayor Gatchalian emphasized that Valenzuela City has been fortunate so far not to have POGOs operating within its boundaries. However, he stressed the importance of proactively addressing the issue to prevent the potential negative consequences that POGOs may bring. He mentioned that while some may argue about the economic benefits and substantial taxes associated with POGO operations, the negative impacts outweigh any potential gains.
The mayor also acknowledged the presence of mainland Chinese nationals in Valenzuela City, mostly in supervisory roles within manufacturing companies. He expressed his desire to prevent the escalation of POGO-related issues in the city and cited the risks of money laundering, prostitution, and various other illegal activities that tend to accompany the operations of POGOs.
During the press conference, Mayor Gatchalian emphasized the need to address the negative impact of POGOs and their associated activities. He expressed his concerns over the exploitation of the Philippines by POGOs, citing a gruesome video he recently watched where fellow Chinese nationals were involved in violent acts. Mayor Gatchalian believed that the Philippines should not be a venue for such activities and that local law enforcement resources should not be burdened further.
Ordinance 1105 disallows POGOs from operating within Valenzuela City. This move aims to prevent the entry and establishment of POGOs, given the numerous problems associated with their operations, including money laundering, prostitution, intimidation, and kidnapping.
In addition, Mayor Gatchalian announced the implementation of two more ordinances.
Ordinance 2023-093 temporarily disallows small-town lottery, e-bingo, e-sabong, online gambling, and other similar activities. This temporary prohibition is meant to prevent the proliferation of various forms of illegal gambling within the city.
Furthermore, Ordinance 2023-092 encompasses a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling within Valenzuela City. This ordinance signifies the city's commitment to eradicating illegal gambling activities and promoting a safer environment for its residents.
Mayor Gatchalian emphasized that Valenzuela City has been fortunate so far not to have POGOs operating within its boundaries. However, he stressed the importance of proactively addressing the issue to prevent the potential negative consequences that POGOs may bring. He mentioned that while some may argue about the economic benefits and substantial taxes associated with POGO operations, the negative impacts outweigh any potential gains.
The mayor also acknowledged the presence of mainland Chinese nationals in Valenzuela City, mostly in supervisory roles within manufacturing companies. He expressed his desire to prevent the escalation of POGO-related issues in the city and cited the risks of money laundering, prostitution, and various other illegal activities that tend to accompany the operations of POGOs.
Jul 4, 2023
