41 POGOs to Cease Operations by End of 2024 Following POGO Ban in PH

In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), 41 licensed operators have announced plans to cease operations by the end of 2024. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed this decision on September 19, 2024.

This move follows the President’s call during his third State of the Nation Address in July to eliminate POGOs from the Philippines. To facilitate this process, the DOJ has established the Task Force POGO Closure, which convened for the first time on Wednesday.

The task force comprises various agencies, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the Department of Labor and Employment, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the Bureau of Immigration. Its goal is to ensure the shutdown of POGOs while safeguarding the welfare of affected workers.

PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco noted that the initial closure phase is underway, but warned of challenges ahead. He cautioned that some operators might resort to illegal tactics to continue their businesses in 2025.

“POGOs will try to employ dirty tactics to hide their illegal business,” he was quoted as saying in a report published by the Philippine Star.

The DOJ has also set an October 15 deadline for foreign workers employed by POGOs to voluntarily leave the country. Starting October 16, their work visas will be downgraded to tourist visas, allowing 60 days for departure. Failure to comply could result in involuntary repatriation.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez emphasized the need for a systematic approach to implement the POGO ban effectively.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the law, highlighting the risks that illegal POGO activities pose to public safety and national security.

“The harm and danger fueled by illegal POGO activities have undeniably placed public safety and national security at risk for quite some time, and justice will never take these matters sitting down. With the President’s guidance, we can now unleash the full consequences of the law against these undesirable elements of society,” Remulla stated.

Read related article: How Visa Revocation Affects POGO Workers and Their Exit from the Philippines