As in other Southeast Asian countries, the sector has grown exponentially thanks to the ban on gambling in China, where it has been outlawed since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Said and done: from October, 175 casinos that had received approval from the previous Rodrigo Duterte-led government in 2016 will be closed. Senator Koko Pimentel argued that pogo shops - even legal ones - facilitated the entry of unwanted citizens: 'So what is the best way to solve this problem? Simplify it. A report by Philippine lawmakers released in January this year had found 'clear links' to human trafficking and recommended prosecution of immigration officials involved. comes after pressure from some senators who in recent days had highlighted the illicit trafficking associated with gambling.Īlready in 2020, the Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council had highlighted the high vulnerability of the sector to financial crime. The decision by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Philippines has decided to repatriate 40,000 Chinese workers employed in casinos, which are locally called 'pogo' (an acronym for offshore gambling operators).
