CEZA is tasked to work with AMLC to draft guidelines for the ban's implementation. This move aims to curb illegal activities and strengthen industry regulation.
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) was instructed by Malacañang to collaborate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in drafting guidelines to enforce the ban on offshore gaming hubs.
This directive, reported by Philippine Star, follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order prohibiting Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin wrote to the AMLC, urging coordination with CEZA to develop the implementation framework.
President Marcos initially announced the POGO ban during his third State of the Nation Address, instructing government agencies to phase out POGO operations by the year’s end.
“Please be informed that this Office has directed the CEZA to coordinate with the AMLC regarding the crafting of implementing guidelines for the ban on offshore interactive gaming operations and all other offshore gaming services within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port,” Bersamin stated in a letter released by the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Hontiveros had earlier raised concerns about CEZA during the Senate's final POGO hearing. Although CEZA claimed it does not host POGOs, Hontiveros expressed concerns that Marcos’ executive order might contain loopholes.
“I am pleased that the Office of the Executive Secretary promptly responded to my call during the Senate hearing to address gaps in President Marcos’ Executive Order 74, which appears to exempt economic zones like CEZA from the POGO ban,” Hontiveros said in Tagalog.The executive order, issued in November, gives legal POGOs one month to cease operations.
The Philippine Senate earlier said it had plans to push for legislative reforms in immigration, money laundering, and election candidacy laws following its investigation into the illegal activities of POGOs.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, concluded its hearings on November 26, 2024. These hearings exposed POGOs as being involved in serious crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, espionage, and torture.
Read related article: Stricter Laws on Immigration, Money Laundering After POGO Probe
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