MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said there is no longer a need to pass a law to institutionalize President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s order banning all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
If at all, Escudero said a law passed by Congress must cover all forms of gambling in the country and not just Pogos.
In his third State of the Nation address on Monday, Marcos ordered the immediate ban on Pogos.
His directive does not require an executive order (EO) or a law, according to Escudero.
“No. An order suffices. Hindi EO ang nag-legalize ng Pogo, hindi AO (administrative order) ang nag-legalize ng Pogo, hindi batas ang nag-legalize ng Pogo,” he said in an interview at the Senate on Tuesday.