- Netizens also questioned Duterte’s preference to POGO.
ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Karen Davila has questioned the government’s seemingly soft stand and special treatment of the Chinese-owned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry in the country.
In a retweet of Boo Chanco’s tweet, Davila asked what’s special about POGO.
Boo Chanco raised the issue of PAGCOR being able to suspend casino operations and other gaming activities except for POGO
What makes POGO so special? https://t.co/GGMxFng3Si
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) March 15, 2020
On March 2, Malacanang through the recommendation of Inter-Agency Task Force placed Metro Manila under community quarantine to stop the spread of COVID-19 to other areas of the country.
With the directive, all events and gatherings were canceled. TV networks also decided to cancel tapings and productions of their shows while the quarantine is in effect.
The Catholic church has also suspended all masses and religious activities in the metro to heed the quarantine guidelines.
Shopping malls have also suspended their operations during the quarantine period. Only banks, pharmacies, and restaurants offering food delivery will be allowed to operate.
Those instances made people question the government’s response with the case of POGOs.
POGO is special because they are the carrier of COVID-19 plus they are from China which the PDuts really really loves. #toink
— JaRule (@OhnoitsJany) March 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/MarAlvin63/status/1239248590460997632
https://twitter.com/johnrichvillas/status/1239151977931530240
A few not so good people benefit from POGOs.
Bonus, the President loves them POGOs.— Iéna Schrei (@schrei_und_tod) March 15, 2020
But it seems POGOs have a special place in President Rodrigo Duterte’s heart.
On several occasions, the President defended POGO saying they are clean.
In August 2019, Malacanang spokesman Sal Panelo said the President will continue to support the POGO hub as long as they are not violating the laws of the country.
In September of the same year, Duterte decided to keep POGOs despite China’s advise against it since it was considered illegal in China. But for Duterte, the Philippines needs them and that it’s good for the country.
“I decide we need it,” said Duterte
“Many will lose livelihood. It’s government-controlled,” he added.
Just recently, Malacanang renewed its support for POGO.
In a March 9 press briefing, spokesman Panelo said the President remained confident about the gains in POGO thus no reason to stop it.
“Nandoon pa rin (They will stay). He will not suspend it, nor he will stop it.”
“Ang sabi niya sa akin kahapon, maganda ang report ni PAGCOR head. So okay, kailangan talaga natin ng pondo galing diyan. Marami tayong projects na kailangan natin ng pondo,” Panelo said.
On March 11 during the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Pasay City, Duterte defended the POGOs anew saying they are “clean”.
“I will assure you under my oath of office as President of this Republic, as elected by you, ‘yang POGO na ‘yan, insofar kami dito, malinis ‘yan,” said the President.
“Laro ‘yan para lang sa kabila. But it employs something like 20,000 dito sa Maynila. Dito lang ‘yang POGO eh. Walang pera diyan. Diretso sa PAGCOR ‘yan,” he added.
