Manila: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday urged the incoming 20th Congress to continue investigating online gaming activities in the country. Cayetano expressed concerns about the growing prevalence of online gaming among Filipinos, even after the measure to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) was passed.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cayetano highlighted in a news release that despite the recent legislative success in banning POGO, online gaming activities persist and are expanding. "Ang problema, ipinagbawal na natin ang POGO, pero lumalaki naman ang online industry na puro mga Pilipino ang tumataya (The problem is we were able to ban POGO but there is an increase of online industry where Filipinos placed their bets.) I hope the next Congress can look into this," he stated.

During the final session of the 19th Congress, the senator commended his colleagues for passing the Anti-POGO bill. He also acknowledged opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros for leading a series of hearings and investigations that culminated in the bill's approval on June 11. The Senate, on June 9, unanimously approved the bill on its third and final reading, signaling a permanent ban on POGO operations in the country.

The newly enacted law will establish an Administrative Oversight Committee, led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, to ensure effective implementation. The House of Representatives adopted the Senate's version, which prohibits the establishment, operation, and provision of services related to offshore gaming and POGO activities.

Cayetano expressed his appreciation for those who had warned against POGO activities many years ago and emphasized the need for prompt action concerning online gaming in the upcoming 20th Congress. "I want to honor those who warned us against POGO 15, 20 years ago, whatever it was called. But we acted on it only now. Sana po (Hopefully), we will act on online gaming soon in the 20th Congress," he remarked.