Pasay mayor says POGO activities not tolerated, not allowed

Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano said Thursday that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs are not tolerated under their jurisdiction amid an ongoing probe of local officials in the city.

“Pasay City has a zero-tolerance policy towards POGO operations, regardless of whether they are disguised, temporary, or operated as dummy entities. POGOs are not allowed in our city,” she said in a statement.

“This is not just a symbolic gesture; it reflects our commitment to eliminating POGO operations in our city,” she added.

According to Calixto-Rubiano, the Pasay local government has implemented intensified monitoring, stringent regulatory enforcement, and unwavering cooperation with national law enforcement agents against POGO operations.

She issued the remark after Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio said authorities are looking into the possible criminal liability of local officials amid recent raids in the city.

Casio said they were investigating the possible culpability of LGU officials, primarily those involved in the issuances of mayor’s permit, Business Permits and Licensing Office certificates, and business permits.

According to the mayor, the city issued business permits to 13,000 establishments this year. She added that all of these underwent thorough examination.

However, Calixto-Rubiano stressed that no business permits have been issued to any POGO.

“The recently raided POGO facilities were operating discreetly and in concealed locations. These facilities do not operate under any business license issued by Pasay City,” she said.

Aside from this, Calixto-Rubiano said the Pasay LGU is also adding programs to enhance the skills of its personnel in identifying suspicious activities.

Recently, authorities nabbed 14 Filipinos and six Koreans for allegedly operating an illegal POGO and running a scam in Pasay City. One of the Koreans had been tagged as a blacklisted alien.

GMA News Online has asked Casio for comment but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.