BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for announcing the complete ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
In a statement, the PCCI-Iloilo said Marcos’ strong stance against unregulated gaming operations in the country is a bold step toward ensuring the welfare and safety of the Filipinos.
“PCCI Iloilo stands firmly behind the government’s initiative to ban POGOs. We recognize the need to prioritize the welfare and security of our citizens, and we support measures that aim to eliminate activities that pose social and economic risks,” said PCCI-Iloilo.
The group voiced confidence that the concerned government agencies would provide jobs or help find opportunities for Filipinos displaced by the total ban on POGO.
“We believe that a thriving economy is crucial for the prosperity of our nation, and businesses must operate within the framework of the law. This includes the stringent upholding of labor rights, ensuring fair treatment, and safeguarding the well-being of all workers,” the group stressed.
It supports the government’s initiatives aimed at regulating businesses designed to protect and enhance the rights and welfare of the workforce.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with the government to ensure that workplaces across the country are conducive to both economic growth and the overall well-being of their employees,” PCCI-Iloilo said.
Marcos Jr. wrapped up his over 80-minute-long SONA with the surprise announcement of a complete ban on POGOS.
“Effective today, all POGOs are banned. I hereby instruct Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” he said.
The President said he would task the labor department to find jobs for countrymen displaced by his tall order.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into elicit areas farthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder,” Marcos stressed.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has expressed his support for the ban, noting the “reputational risks” brought by POGOs to the country. Recto said the social costs of allowing POGOs to operate far outweigh the benefits that the country can gain from tax and fees.
In the statement, the PCCI-Iloilo also commended Marcos Jr. for emphasizing the importance of economic growth and business regulation. As advocates for economic development, the group said it strongly supports measures that foster a robust and dynamic business environment in the Philippines.
The PCCI-Iloilo is also elated over the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, such as the mega-bridges, including the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, which aims to enhance connectivity and support economic growth in our region.
Such projects are vital in improving regional integration and opening up new opportunities for businesses and communities, the business group said.
Due to the recurring power outages in Western Visayas, the business group said they appreciated Marcos’ directive to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to expedite solutions and complete key interconnection projects like the Mindanao-Visayas and Panay-Negros-Cebu links to ensure a reliable power supply.
Stable and reliable energy is fundamental to sustained economic growth and development, the group stressed.
The group also mentioned Marcos’ report of an increased employment rate to 95.7% as of May 2023, which they said a positive indicator of economic recovery and resilience.
Additionally, the group added that social programs such as the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and the Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan demonstrate a commitment to supporting marginalized groups and small businesses.
“These initiatives are essential in fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that economic benefits reach all sectors of society,” the PCCI-Iloilo said.
The PCCI Iloilo pledged to continue its efforts in advocating for policies that not only boost the economy but also create a fair and just business environment for all Filipinos.
“We look forward to supporting and contributing to the realization of the goals outlined in the President’s address, fostering a brighter future for our nation,” the PCCI-Iloilo said./PN
