BANNING Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country will be a decision that should be made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., himself according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to the DOJ, this is the only way to enforce a total removal and that is via a policy of the national government.

Earlier, the DOJ said through Senate finance committee chairman Sonny Angara, who in turn defended the P35.455 billion proposed budget for 2024, said that it should be a national policy.

Senator Grace Poe earlier asked the DOJ on their position on the continued operation of POGOs, saying that the department is “in the center of the storm having to process their cases and then maybe deport others under [the Bureau of Immigration.]”

“What is your position on having POGOs weighing the social impact and the so-called economic benefits? Are you for the total banning of POGOs at this point?” she asked.

Angara said, “The DOJ just enforces whatever the policy the national government has.”

“I think it's [the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] who sets down the policy as to the legalization of POGOs. So the DOJ has already been raiding, investigating the illegal POGOs--those without licenses from PAGCOR,” he said.

Asked if the DOJ is prohibited to make its own stand on the matter, Angara retorted.

“Yes, your honor. They follow whatever the national government's policy is.”

According to the female lawmaker.

The Department of Finance had earlier said that the Philippines must come clean with POGOs, as they cited social and reputational risks.

No less than National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that he will recommend to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ban POGOs in the country.