To stop illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and scam hub operations, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday urged mayors to regularly check business establishments to ensure that they are not operating as POGOs.

During the Commission on Appointments hearing, Remulla said some POGOs applied for permits under the guise of a resort or restaurant to conceal their illegal operations.

“The biggest disguise that they (POGOs) are going through now is that they are applying for resorts and restaurants,” he said.

“So it is in the power of the mayor to visit the establishments and make sure that what is going on is exactly what is intended,” he added.

He cited a case in Lapu-Lapu City where it was discovered that the restaurant, hotel, and the bar were just a front for POGO operations.

Based on the Local Government Code of 1991, the City Mayor has the power to issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the law or ordinances.

“It is really up to the Mayors, when they issue business permits, occupancy permits, they have to inspect the premises and to make sure that what is intended for is happening,” he stated.

Earlier, the President issued Executive Order No. 74 which institutionalized the immediate ban of the Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines.