President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered two TWGs: one for reskilling displaced workers, and another to target illegal offshore gaming, focusing on unlicensed POGOs.
The Marcos administration is ramping up efforts to detect and shut down residual Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in the wake of the nationwide ban that took effect on December 31, 2024. The move aims to ensure strict compliance with the prohibition and address lingering challenges posed by underground operations.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has reported signs of small-scale, covert POGO operations attempting to evade the crackdown. According to PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, some operators are downsizing their operations to avoid detection.
“We are observing indicators that some operators are downsizing to evade detection. Our enforcement agencies are actively monitoring these developments to ensure full compliance with the ban,” Cruz was quoted as saying in a Manila Standard report.
The ban, formalized through Executive Order No. 74 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 5, 2024, was a direct response to increasing criminal activities linked to POGOs. The order mandated the immediate cessation of all POGO activities and the cancellation of licenses previously issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Despite the prohibition, authorities have identified attempts by some operators to continue their activities in a more discreet manner. Cruz emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal gambling. “We will not tolerate any form of illegal gambling operations. Our agencies are equipped and ready to take decisive action against violators,” he said.
One of the significant challenges arising from the ban is the issue of foreign workers previously employed by POGOs. Nearly 8,000 foreign workers have reportedly downgraded their work visas to tourist visas but remain in the Philippines. Many of these individuals are suspected of participating in underground POGO activities, posing an additional hurdle for law enforcement.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PAOCC have raised concerns about the potential persistence of illegal POGO operations. Without robust enforcement measures, as many as 100 unlicensed POGO activities could continue into 2025, according to their estimates. This underscores the need for intensified efforts to eliminate all remnants of the industry.
o address the broader implications of the ban, President Marcos has ordered the creation of two Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to oversee key aspects of the transition. The first TWG focuses on employment recovery and reintegration, aiming to support displaced Filipino workers who lost their jobs due to the POGO shutdown. This group is tasked with implementing upskilling and reskilling programs to help affected workers find alternative employment opportunities.
The second TWG targets illegal offshore gaming operations, working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies to dismantle unlicensed POGO activities. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to uphold the integrity of the gaming industry and ensure compliance with the law.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also playing a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the ban. DOLE has been collaborating with PAGCOR and other relevant agencies to assist displaced workers. Their efforts include identifying alternative job opportunities and providing necessary training to help affected individuals transition smoothly into new roles.
Read related article: PH Govt to Inventory and Seize Assets of Shuttered POGOs
Comments