Marcos issues an executive order officially banning POGOs.
 Nov 08, 2024Â
Authorities raided a suspected POGO compound in Bagac, Bataan, on October 31, 2024, for alleged human trafficking violations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 74, officially banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) along with internet and other offshore gaming activities in the country. This decision comes months after he initially gave POGOs until the end of 2024 to wind down their operations and exit the Philippines.
Signed last Tuesday, the order mandates an immediate end to all offshore gaming operations, signaling a firm stance against such activities. The ban aims to address concerns linked to illegal practices associated with POGOs, including human trafficking and security risks.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cited a Department of Finance study highlighting that the risks and negative impacts of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)—such as rising crime rates, social unrest, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals—greatly outweighed any economic or social benefits the industry provided.
The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported over 100 smaller, illegal POGO units still operating in the country, underscoring the challenge of regulating the sector effectively.
According to the President, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) identified POGOs as highly vulnerable to money laundering, fraud, and other illegal financial activities, posing significant threats to the stability and integrity of the country’s financial system.
Marcos emphasized that the reputational risks linked to POGOs and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) discourage foreign investment and tourism, counteracting government efforts to present the Philippines as a secure and attractive destination for investors and visitors.
Under Executive Order No. 74, all POGOs, IGLs, and other offshore gaming operations—along with their supporting services—must cease their activities. Operators have until December 31, 2024, or earlier, to wind up their operations.
Existing licenses, permits, and authorizations granted to the offshore gaming sector will not be renewed or extended. Additionally, new applications for licenses, permits, or authorizations will no longer be accepted.
The President’s directive has prompted regional cooperation aimed at addressing human trafficking, a crime frequently associated with illegal POGO activities.
The order includes the establishment of technical working groups to enforce the ban, assess its economic effects, and support Filipino workers displaced by the shutdown of the industry.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ramp up their efforts against illegal POGOs, IGLs, and other unauthorized offshore gaming operators and services.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is tasked with helping the Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations Technical Working Group by working with homeowners’ associations to prevent the spread of POGO activities in residential areas, including subdivisions and condominiums, and to report any suspected activities promptly.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been directed to monitor hotels, resorts, and other tourism facilities to ensure they are not being used for POGO operations or related services.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are also instructed to expedite the collection of fees and taxes due from the offshore gaming industry in accordance with applicable laws.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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