President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order imposing a ban on POGOs in the Philippines, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations.
Executive Order 74, the formal document mandating the ban, will cover illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations. President Marcos signed EO 74 earlier today, November 8, 2024.
All Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and other offshore gaming-related/auxiliary/ancillary services with issued licenses, permits are expected to completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on December 31, 2024 or earlier.
The Executive Order referenced a study by the Department of Finance, which concluded that the economic and social drawbacks of POGO operations far exceed any potential benefits. The report highlighted concerns over increased crime, social unrest, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals linked to these activities.
Additionally, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) highlighted in its report that POGOs are vulnerable to money laundering, fraud, and other illegal financial practices, posing significant risks to the stability and integrity of the country’s financial system.
“The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination,” stated EO 74 which was cited by a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.
“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (The disorder they create in our society and their desecration of our country should be stopped). Effective today, all POGOs are banned. I hereby instruct PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp] to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year),” President Marcos said back then during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024.
When the President ordered a complete ban on POGOs, there was no formal document backing it yet.
Without an Executive Order, freeports and ecozones became “gray areas” in the POGO ban of Marcos and it wasn’t clear whether or not law enforcement is authorized to seize POGOs in these spots.
Marcos also instructed the labor department, with economic managers, to find jobs for Filipino workers affected by the POGO ban.
He emphasized that while this effort addresses some issues, broader challenges require vigilance and a commitment to national welfare from both officials and citizens.
On November 7, the Senate recommended the approval of Senate Bill 2868 (aka the Anti-POGO Act of 2024) which bans all POGOs in the Philippines. This measure also repeals Republic Act 11590, also known as An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.
READ: Senate Committee Endorses Bill Outlawing POGOs in PH
The proliferation of POGOs started under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed that the industry racked up a significant amount of revenue.
Read related article: Duterte’s executive order about POGOs scrutinized for “encroaching” on Congress
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