Raymond, who was nearly giving up on deleting text scams with suspicious links, found them risky since he uses an e-wallet for work.

Since the ban on POGO or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country, he noticed fewer text scams.

But James still receives such messages.

Most of these scams reportedly originate from POGOs, as shown by the thousands of SIM cards seized from raided POGO offices involved in other crimes.

In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, the President called for a complete halt to POGO.

“I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year. The DOLE, in coordination with our economic managers, shall use this time to find new jobs for our countrymen,” said PBBM.

The ban was reinforced through Malacañang’s issuance of Executive Order Number 74, prohibiting POGO, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.

However, Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed concerns about Section 1B of the executive order, which she said excludes POGOs not under PAGCOR, such as those operating in economic zones and in resorts and casinos.

In response, the President stated:

“There’s just no way, because it’s the nature of the operation we are banning. It’s not because it’s under PAGCOR or not. As long as it’s a POGO with that license, it’s banned,” PBBM mentioned.

The executive order also mandates PAOCC, PNP, NBI, and DOLE to lead the crackdown on POGO operations and assist displaced employees.

**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON