President Marcos Refutes Loophole in POGO Ban

November 12, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

President Marcos Jr. refuted claims of loopholes in Executive Order 74, which bans POGOs in the Philippines.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently addressed concerns about the potential for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to circumvent the government’s ban on their operations, firmly denying any supposed loopholes in Executive Order 74.

The president’s comments came during a media interview at the Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 Welcome Reception, where he emphasized that there is “no way” for POGOs to continue their operations under any new licenses.

READ: 60% of Filipinos Support POGO Ban: Survey

In his statement, President Marcos clarified that the ban is not dependent on whether the operators fall under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or another licensing body, but rather on the nature of the operations themselves. He stressed that the administration’s decision to ban POGOs was due to the type of activities they engage in, which are seen as detrimental to the country.

“It’s the nature of the operation that we are banning. It’s not because it’s under PAGCOR or not. Basta’t sinabing… basta’t POGO ‘yan, ganyan ang lisensya nila, it’s banned (It’s the nature of the operation that we are banning. It’s not because it’s under PAGCOR or not. As long as it’s called a POGO, that’s their license, it’s banned),” said Marcos.

The president’s comments reinforce the government’s commitment to ensuring that no POGO operations can find a way to legally continue in the country, highlighting that the ban applies broadly to any form of such operations.

The issue of POGOs has been a growing concern for the Marcos administration, particularly due to their links to various illegal activities. These concerns have included accusations of money laundering, human trafficking, and financial fraud—issues that have sparked public outcry.

The government’s decision to shut down POGOs follows rising public alarm and media reports about the negative impact of these operations on local communities. In his remarks, Marcos highlighted the importance of safeguarding the public’s safety and well-being, pointing out that POGOs had caused a significant disruption to societal order. This was consistent with his earlier pronouncements during the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to banning POGOs by the end of 2024.