The Senate’s final findings expose the criminal activities and regulatory failures that have allowed POGOs to flourish in the Philippines. With POGOs now facing a complete ban, the challenges of shutting down these operations and their broader implications are becoming more apparent. The future of POGOs in the country remains uncertain as authorities grapple with the complex task of dismantling these illicit networks.

The rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has significantly boosted the country’s economy, generating billions in revenue. However, the industry has brought with it a surge in crime, limited job opportunities for Filipinos, and concerns about foreign influence, particularly from China. Now that the Philippine government is aiming to be a POGO-free country by 2025, this ultimately raises a critical question: Is the economic reward worth the ever-escalating danger posed to public safety, national security, and the country’s long-term interests?

Election season is approaching — and upon glimpsing at the known roster of upcoming candidates, one is sure to report celebrities’ names taking up a significant portion of the list. This reality isn’t new in the culture of Philippine politics, and as the 2025 elections draw near, what now becomes of true necessity is responsibility, manifested in both ends of the spectrum, in the face of this political scene.

Seven years after the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III due to hazing, the Manila Regional Trial Court finally sentenced ten members of the Aegis Juris fraternity. Yet, with Atio’s parents demanding accountability from UST, we are to question whether justice is enough or a systemic change must answer to outcomes of violence.