Press Release - Gatchalian: LGUs should be held accountable for failure to monitor POGO operations; lauds Pampanga provincial board

Senator Win Gatchalian said local government executives should be held accountable for failing to monitor illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating in their respective areas.

"The immediate action of the Pampanga provincial board to investigate how an illegal POGO facility managed to undertake illegal activities right under the nose of LGU officials is commendable and worthy of imitation. Surely, certain LGU personnel have been neglectful of their duties for a POGO hub to commit unspeakable crimes and remain undetected but concerned LGU officials and personnel should be held accountable," Gatchalian said.

The senator made the statement in reaction to the Pampanga Provincial Board's ongoing investigation of a recent police raid on a POGO compound that straddles Porac and Angeles City in Pampanga. The compound was discovered to be a site of various crimes including torture, human and sex trafficking, and online scamming, among others.

According to him, the provincial board's action encourages other LGUs in the province to be watchful of activities and operations of POGOs in their localities. "Other LGUs should emulate the Pampanga provincial government's commitment to get to the bottom of the issue," he said.

According to Pampanga Board Member Ananias Canlas, the investigation is intended to determine how the POGO facility was able to operate despite existing government procedures and regulations. Claiming the POGO raid has damaged the reputation of local officials and the province, board members led by Vice-Governor Lilia Pineda scrutinized procedures relating to the permitting process of the POGO hub and said there were certain lapses committed.

Gatchalian emphasized that mayors, barangay chairmen, and other LGU officials should be vigorous in going after suspicious activities within their respective localities. "LGUs should show tenacity in their commitment to maintaining peace and order in their localities as this is a necessary prelude to sustainable economic development," said Gatchalian, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Better yet, LGUs should seriously consider banning all POGO operations in