Anti-Pogo invoice, 8 different Senate measures handed on last studying

MANILA, Philippines — A invoice looking for to completely ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) within the nation hurdled the Senate’s third and last studying on Monday.

With 23 affirmative votes, zero unfavorable, and 0 abstention, the chamber permitted the measure on its last studying throughout Monday’s plenary session.

Ought to it’s enacted into regulation, the measure would repeal Republic Act 11590, which legitimized offshore gaming within the nation.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate panel on methods and means and creator of the invoice, mentioned the approval of the measure would assure that the prohibition on the existence of Pogos extends past the present administration.

“The measure not solely bans offshore gaming operations but additionally builds safeguards for our individuals. Hindi dapat kinokompromiso ang kapakanan ng taumbayan para sa kita na galing sa ilegal at maruming negosyo,” mentioned Gatchalian.

READ: Ledac lists 28 precedence payments for passage by June 2025

The measure mandates the forfeiture of all Pogo-related properties and tools to stop their reuse in unlawful operations.

“This isn’t only a regulation — it’s the individuals’s demand to finish the Pogo menace,” he added.

Aside from the Anti-Pogo invoice, the next key measures had been likewise permitted throughout the identical plenary session:

• Senate Invoice No. 2821 or the Accelerated and Reformed Proper of Manner Act (voting 23-0-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 2982 or the The Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act (voting 23-0-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 2899 or the Philippine Nationwide Nuclear Power Act (voting 22-1-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 2903 or the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Regulation (voting 22-0-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 2969 or the Nationwide Aviation Academy of the Philippines Constitution Act (voting 22-0-0-)
• Senate Invoice No. 2999 or the Declaration of State of Imminent Catastrophe Act (voting 21-0-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 2613 or the Equitable Entry to Sha’riah Courts (voting 21-0-0)
• Senate Invoice No. 3000 or the Profession Development System for Public College Lecturers and College Leaders Act (voting 21-0-0) /cb