Legarda: Ban on POGOs, a stand against human trafficking, national security threats

Senator Loren Legarda today expressed her continued support for efforts to fight human trafficking as she lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s announcement regarding the banning of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“The proliferation of POGOs in the country has escalated concerns over human trafficking, various criminal activities, and significant national security risks. The bold move of the President to ban all POGO operations sends a clear message —- our nation will not tolerate fake citizenship, human trafficking, torture, money laundering, and other crimes associated with POGOs,” Legarda said.

Legarda stated that while POGOs have created jobs, these cannot justify the illegal activities hidden beneath their facade of employment opportunities and economic contributions.

“Recent probes have revealed alarming instances of human trafficking associated with POGO operations. I have been at the forefront of anti-trafficking since my 2nd term in the Senate, as exemplified by my authorship of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the first anti-trafficking law in Southeast Asia, and its expanded version. I have been vocal about my stance against POGOs even before the recent issues on illegal offshore gaming in Tarlac surfaced,” Legarda said.

Legarda further emphasized that trafficking in persons is a complex problem as perpetrators of the crime seek to outmaneuver policies and regulations in place. “We have a two-decade-old law, and we have already improved it. The crucial step now is for us to strengthen enforcement and prosecution. Human traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society – men, women, and children from marginalized communities are exploited every day, and this is the injustice that we must all act against,” Legarda stressed.

The four-term Senator stated that as perpetrators become more innovative in their actions, the government should be more deliberate in its efforts to strengthen policies, improve enforcement, and enhance inter-agency coordination, both at the local and international level, because it is not just an economic issue anymore, but a national security concern.

“Many Filipinos fall prey to human traffickers each year, and these POGOs have been significantly contributing to this crisis. Behind these are stories of individuals whose freedom of choice is impaired by desperation or helplessness, thus rendering them vulnerable to exploitation. Victims are subjected to forced labor, domestic servitude, and identity theft,” Legarda lamented.

With her longstanding dedication to human rights, national security, and ensuring the overall welfare of Filipinos, Legarda is committed to supporting the total dismantling of these illegal activities.

“We cannot allow our land to be a haven of abusive entities, like these POGOs that put the welfare and safety of Filipinos at risk. The exploitation must end,” Legarda stressed.

“However, while we call for the abolition of illegal activities, we must ensure that the welfare of 25,064 Filipino workers, as reported by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is safeguarded. I have high confidence in the President’s guidance that DOLE can provide income alternatives and effective transition mechanisms for these workers to support their livelihoods and uphold our commitment to social justice and economic stability,” Legarda concluded. (30)