Manila, March 6 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not hesitate to impose a total ban on Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs) if they are found to be causing the country similar problems that led to the shutdown of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Malacanang said Thursday.

Responding to concerns raised by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero regarding the impact of PIGOs on Filipinos, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and conducting a study to assess the effects of PIGOs or local online gambling in the country.

"As of now, napag-aralan po and may continuing study po ang ginagawa natin ...