The government warned against renting to owners of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) after the total ban started on January 1, 2025.
The Philippine government is cracking down on illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operations, and property owners who knowingly rent their spaces to these businesses could face severe consequences.
This comes as the government's ban on the industry takes full effect. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full stop on POGO operations, citing crime-related concerns.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has issued a strong warning, stating that establishments used for illegal POGO activities are subject to forfeiture. This means the government could seize the property permanently. PAOCC can also recommend criminal charges against landlords who turn a blind eye to such operations.
“Medyo delikado po ‘yan para sa kanila baka mawala ‘yung property nila kasi pwede po namin file-an ng criminal forfeiture ‘yan kung talagang inallow nila na ipagamit ‘yung kanilang property or resort nila para sa mga ganitong activity. (That’s risky for them since they may lose their property because we could file a criminal forfeiture case against them if they truly allowed the use of their property or resort for these kinds of illegal activity.)” PAOCC head Gilbert Cruz said, as cited by a GMA News report.
Critics have linked POGOs to money laundering, cybercrimes, and social problems. The government is committed to dismantling these illegal businesses and protecting the country's security and economic interests.
Cruz named signs that a POGO is operating. This includes unusual activity patterns, which he describes as a red flag “One of the indicators is when they are operating at night or midnight, and there are foreigners inside,” Cruz explained. This 24/7 operation, coupled with the constant presence of foreign nationals, suggests a potential POGO operation.
Another telltale sign is a change in lifestyle within the property. “Ngayon nag papa deliver na lang sila ng pagkain. Kadalasan hindi na sila nag luluto (Now, they are just ordering food. Usually, they no longer cook their meals),” Cruz added.
This shift away from typical household activities like cooking can indicate a large number of people living and working within the space.
Beyond lifestyle changes, physical alterations to the property can also raise suspicion. “Tapos po nag papadagdag sila ng internet connection and then nakikita nila maraming sasakyan… ‘yun yung isa sa mga indicators. (And then they increase their internet connection and then there are many vehicles at the property… That's one of the indicators),” Cruz noted.
The demand for significantly higher internet bandwidth and an unusual number of vehicles parked at the property are strong indicators of a business operation rather than a typical residential tenancy.
Landlords are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. PAOCC encourages cooperation from the public to identify and shut down illegal POGOs.
Read related article: PAOCC Tracks 100 Unlicensed POGOs Post-Ban
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