Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not hesitate to impose a total ban on Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs) if they are found to be causing the country similar problems that led to the shutdown of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Malaca±ang said Thursday. Responding to concerns raised by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero regarding the impact of PIGOs on Filipinos, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and conducting a study to assess the effects of PIGOs or local online gambling in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated, "As of now, a continuing study is being done about PIGO." She explained that a comparison is being made between POGOs and PIGOs to determine if similar issues arise from the latter. Castro noted that current studies show PIGOs have not been linked to crimes, unlike POGOs, which were associated with serious offenses.

Castro also pointed out some key differences between POGOs and PIGOs, mentioning that while POGOs typically hire foreign workers, PIGOs employ mostly Filipinos, with 90 percent of their workforce being locals. She emphasized the economic benefits of PIGOs, highlighting their significant contribution to the Philippine economy through taxes and marketing expenditure, unlike POGOs, which faced issues with tax compliance.

However, Castro made it clear that should PIGOs start causing similar issues to those linked to POGOs, the President would not hesitate to impose a total ban. She stated, "If what happened to POGO will also happen to PIGO, then the President would not hesitate to impose a total ban as well on PIGOs, but of course, it will be based on data."

Marcos had previously ordered a total ban on POGOs last year due to their links to crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, and murder.