MANILA — Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) were among the top trending topics on X, formerly Twitter, after the third State Of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday. 

This after Marcos ordered a ban on all POGOs, which have been linked to various criminal activities.

Marcos Jr. orders POGOs to cease operations by end of year

As of writing, the hashtag #SONA2024 and the word POGOs took the 1st and 3rd spot, with netizens crediting Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her efforts to push for the ban.

"Ako lang ba nakakita na tumayo si Sen. RISA HONTIVEROS Dahil sa PAG PAPASARA NG LAHAT NG POGO SA BANSA.KUNG HINDI DAHIL KAY RISA HINDI MAIIMBESTIGAHAN ANG POGO SA BANSA.SALAMAT RISA HONTIVEROS," a netizen said.

"POGOS are now banned! Everybody says THANK YOU, Sen Risa Hontiveros," another netizen tweeted.

Angat Buhay's Raffy Magno has this reminder to netizens: "Let’s not forget that POGOs were legalized by some of the legislators who applauded BBM when he said that they are totally banned in the Philippines."

Unlicensed POGOs, including one recently raided in a compound in Porac, Pampanga, have been linked to various crimes such as illegal drug activities, scam operations, and alleged torture of workers.

Various government agencies and several lawmakers have called for a total ban on POGOs, with the Department of Finance reporting that the country loses over P99 billion annually due to their operations. —with reports from Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN News