Remulla to LGUs: Check resorts, restaurants as POGO fronts
Metro Manila, Philippines – Local government units should exercise extra caution when issuing business permits for resorts and restaurants, as these may be fronts of illegal offshore gaming operators amid the government crackdown, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday, Nov. 20.
“The biggest disguise that they are going through now is that they are applying for resorts and restaurants, though it is the power of the mayor to visit these establishments and make sure that what is going on is exactly what is intended,” Remulla said during his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments.
“So it is really up to – a lot – to the mayors to, when they issue business permits, occupancy permits, they have to inspect the premises and to make sure that what is intended for is happening,” Remulla added.
He made these remarks in response to Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ observation that since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a POGO ban during his State of the Nation Address in July, POGO and scam hubs have shifted from large, centralized offices to smaller locations.
Remulla cited the case of the illegal online gaming operations uncovered at a resort in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, in August.
“The restaurant and the hotel and the bar were just the front, and then it was a guerrilla operation, if I believe, it transferred from the one in Porac and then hid there in Lapu-Lapu,” Remulla said.
He said the DILG will submit a report to the president, which will include any potential accountability of local government officials.
“The LGUs must be fastidious in issuing their business permits and part of that is inspection of the premises,” Remulla said in a chance interview.
He added that mayors have the authority to inspect and close businesses for violations. While local chief executives are already aware that this is part of their mandate, he said he might issue a memorandum circular “enjoining them to inspect all establishments.”
Regarding the over 100 POGOs with permits, Remulla said authorities will inspect them to ensure they are closed by December 31, as ordered by the President.
