The Department of Justice (DOJ) strongly believes that a whole-of-government approach is the most effective way to handle the Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operator (POGO) industry considering its positive and negative effects which impact not only certain communities, but the country as a whole.
In a television interview, Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez made this recommendation following the series of raids conducted by authorities on rogue POGO hubs engaged in human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, cyberscams, and other illegal activities.
"It's now high time for government to really take a serious look at the pros and cons of the POGO industry itself. The social cost, public safety, national security even, because many are suspecting that many of these Chinese who are there may have national security issues. It's now a whole-of-government approach in respect to this. Not only the sole concern of the LGU or the PSA, or the DOJ or PAGCOR itself, everybody is on-board currently," Usec. Vasquez stressed.
The Justice official also assured the public that the DOJ is doing everything it could to get to the bottom of the country's problem in regards to the illegal activities of POGOs.
"This is high time now to check whether or not the advantages outweigh the serious and grave social cost and public safety consequences of the POGO industry," the Undersecretary added.
Usec. Vasquez reminded foreigners engaged in POGOs that their stay in the country is merely a 'privilege' and they are expected at all times to strictly follow the laws of our country.
Quiboloy issue
Meanwhile, on the alleged display of force in serving the warrant of arrest against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, Usec. Vasquez said it “could have been avoided if the good pastor would submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court similar to former Congressman Teves.”
“If the charges have no basis at all, then the courts of law will declare them as innocents and they would have all the reasons in the world to declare the charges baseless and worthless,” he added.
