PORAC, Pampanga – Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil has expressed his full support to the Senate probe into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, reiterating his call for a total ban against online gaming operations.
“Ako po at ang Sangguniang Bayan ng Porac ay sumusuporta sa imbestigasyon na ginagawa nina Senador Risa Hontiveros at Senador Sherwin Gatchalian patungkol sa mga ilegal na POGO, at ako rin po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa kanila at binigyan ako ng pagkakataon na ibigay ang aming panig tungkol sa usapin,” said Mayor Capil.
Mayor Capil has echoed the Senators’ call to ban POGOs, now referred to as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) in the country. He emphasized the “minimal economic benefit and the disproportionate social costs brought by the POGO establishments.”
“Kami po sa Porac LGU ay sumusuporta sa imbestigasyon ng ginagawa sa Senado. At kami rin po ay susuporta sa panukalang i-ban ang mga POGO upang matigil ang mga illegal na activities,” Mayor Capil affirmed.
Mayor Capil also said: “Ang pagsuporta sa total ban ng POGOs ay isang hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na pamumuhay para sa lahat.” He expressed his gratitude to Senators Gatchalian and Hontiveros for their dedicated efforts in addressing the issue and for giving him the platform to voice out his concerns and stand.
“Nakita natin ang negatibong epekto ng POGO sa ating mga komunidad.” he added. “Hindi lamang ito usapin ng ekonomiya kundi ng kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino.”
Mayor Capil assured his constituents and the nation of his unwavering commitment to cooperate with lawmakers in any investigation in aid of legislation. “Handa po akong makipagtulungan at magbigay ng buong suporta sa mga mambabatas upang maisulong ang mga kinakailangang batas na magbibigay proteksyon sa ating mga kababayan.”
He concluded his statement by rallying the support of his fellow local government officials and the public. “Hinihikayat ko rin ang iba pang mga lokal na pamahalaan na makiisa sa adhikaing ito. Sama-sama tayong magtulungan upang makamit ang isang ligtas at maunlad na bayan.”
In this unified stand against illegal POGOs, Mayor Capil and the Porac LGU exemplify the collective effort needed to safeguard the nation’s well-being and future.
Mayor Capil has expressed his gratitude to Senators Hontiveros and Gatchalian for their unwavering leadership and dedication in the conduct of POGO investigation.