LGUs Have Until Jan. 10 To Submit POGO Reports - DILG

Local government units in the Philippines have until January 10 to submit final reports on their efforts to strip their jurisdictions of POGOs. 

The Philippine agency in charge of interior and local government affairs has set a January 10 deadline for cities, provinces, and towns to submit final reports on their efforts to eradicate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within their jurisdictions. 

Memorandum Circular 2025-001, addressed to governors, mayors, barangay captains, and DILG regional directors, reiterated LGU responsibilities on submitting reports to prove that they do not have offshore gaming operations in their areas. 

“LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said, as reported by government newswire Philippine News Agency. 

The memorandum emphasizes that LGUs must ensure no further renewal of business permits and licenses for POGOs, including internet gaming licenses. 

Furthermore, LGUs are urged to report any remaining POGO operations to the police, following the implementation of Executive Order 74, which mandates a complete ban on POGOs in the country. This follows President Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his State of the Nation Address in July, declaring the total prohibition of POGOs.

The DILG has also authorized LGUs and police to inspect commercial and residential buildings to enforce the ban. LGUs are required to submit “No POGO” certifications and are empowered to utilize occupancy, electric, and fire safety permits to access buildings. Inspections also extend to verifying real property tax payments. 

“They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said.

The DILG clarified that special economic zones are not exempt from the ban and will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy for erring local officials. The Bureau of Immigration will conduct a manhunt for 11,000 unaccounted POGO workers, while police will pursue those involved in illegal activities.

Read related article: Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect