MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to announce a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations or POGOs during his 3rd State of the Nation Address on Monday.

"Sana gulatin tayo ng presidente with a surprise announcement of his kasi 'Bagong Pilipinas' siya nang 'Bagong Pilipinas'. 'Di meron siyang bagong polisiya tungkol sa POGO, hinto na niya 'yan," Pimentel told media.

(I hope the President will make a surprise announcement. He keeps saying 'Bagong Pilipinas' and this would be a new policy.)

READ: Finance chief Recto submits recommendation to totally ban POGOs in PH

Pimentel said the POGOs have opened the country up to foreign nationals who may be involved in crime and abuse and that that a ban would be a welcome change for the Philippines.

Raids on POGO hubs have suggested that some of the operators are involved in investment scams, human trafficking and torture.  

"Of course, I advise them to improve and increase their security pero 'yun na nga: We should not be happy na ganitong klaseng tao ang pinapapunta natin sa Pilipinas," he said.

Pimentel also hopes the chief executive will report his achievements during the 3rd SONA, specifically concerning agriculture as the country seeks relief from high prices of food and rice.

He said he also wants updates on the government's housing program, saying he doubts the sector can meet its targets despite getting large sums in the national budget. 

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