Philippine House Welcomes Immediate Nationwide Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)Philippine House Welcomes Immediate Nationwide Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) The House leadership has expressed its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s immediate ban on the activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) nationwide. POGOs have been under investigation for involvement in criminal offenses. Cavite Representative Antonio Ferrer, chairman of the House Committee on Games and Amusement, stated that the committee had previously passed measures calling for a total ban on POGOs in the country. The President’s announcement in his State of the Nation Address provided the directive they had been waiting for. The House Committee on Games and Amusement and the Committee on Public Order and Safety recently launched an investigation into POGO-related crimes, including money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder. President Marcos cited these illegal acts in his SoNA, prompting the industry’s shutdown. PAGCOR has been instructed to cease and confiscate POGO operations by the end of the year. PAGCOR will no longer accept new applications, and existing licensees have until the end of December to complete their activities. Senior Vice President Aurelio Gonzales Jr. supports the President’s decision, stating that the presence of POGOs in Porac town has tarnished Pampanga’s image. He believes the province can thrive without POGOs. Despite PAGCOR’s previous opposition to a POGO suspension, the Philippine government has prioritized addressing the social and economic problems created by these operations. While the ban is welcomed, the congressional investigation will continue to hold individuals accountable for illegal POGO activities. The ban is viewed as a proactive measure to protect Filipinos and ensure a safer nation. The House Speaker confirmed that the investigation into POGO-related crimes will continue, despite the President’s order. The move is seen as a step towards eradicating all forms of gambling in the country.
The House leadership welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s immediate nationwide ban on the activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). The company is currently under investigation for its involvement in criminal activities.
“We are very happy with the president’s announcement. Back in February, our committee passed a measure and resolution for the total ban of POGO in the country,” Cavite Rep. Antonio Ferrer, chairman of the House Committee on Games and Amusement, said in an interview on Tuesday.
“What the President said yesterday in his SoNA (State of the Nation Address) is a very clear directive that we all have to adhere to. That is the directive we are waiting for,” he added.
Last week, the House Committee on Games and Amusement, together with the Committee on Public Order and Safety, launched a motu proprio to address the proliferation of alleged crimes committed by POGO, such as money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture and murder.
Marcos highlighted such illegal acts in his third SoNA on Monday, which led to the total shutdown of the industry. He ordered the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to cease and confiscate the said operations by the end of the year.
This means that PAGCOR “will no longer accept applications” and, according to Ferrer, those who hold an existing POGO license have until the end of December.
“Of course, we also have contractual obligations. In order to avoid being sued, we give them ample time to complete their activities,” he said.
Senior Vice President Aurelio Gonzales Jr. strongly supported the President’s decision.
“I, together with my constituents in Pampanga, fully support the President’s directive. It is unfortunate that the presence of a suspected POGO center in Porac town, which was recently raided by authorities, has tarnished the image of our province,” lamented Gonzales, referring to Pampanga.
“Pampanga does not need POGOs to thrive… We can sustain its growth without POGOs,” he stressed.
POGOs emerged during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and have been the subject of controversy for their illegal activities, prompting lawmakers to call for a ban.
Vice President David Suarez said Marcos’ “courageous step” to close POGOs “addresses the social and economic problems created by these operations.”
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation previously opposed the suspension of POGO operations, saying they generated significant revenue for the country.
According to Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, the licensed POGOs contributed over 5 billion pesos in gross revenues in 2023 alone.
Rep. Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, insisted that the “small economic contributions” far outweigh the social ills they have brought to society.
He added that the congressional investigation must continue despite Marcos’ orders so that the thugs behind the illegal POGO operations are held accountable.
“We should not let these POGOs go unpunished. We should also thoroughly investigate, prosecute and jail all of their employees who have committed various crimes. They all deserve appropriate punishment under our laws,” he said.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro stressed that the negative effects of POGOs in Philippine society have long been a cause for concern and that the ban is “a proactive measure to protect the Filipino people and ensure a safer, more secure Philippine nation.”
CIBAC party representative Eduardo Villanueva expressed hope that the total ban on POGOs would be effectively enforced.
“The president’s POGO ban should ultimately strengthen the government’s resolve to eradicate all forms of gambling in the country,” he added.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez announced Tuesday that the House’s ongoing investigation into criminal and other illegal activities related to POGO will continue, despite Marcos’ order.
