President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has taken a decisive step to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), signaling a major policy shift aimed at enhancing national security and economic integrity.
In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos condemned POGOs for their involvement in serious crimes including scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and torture. He emphasized the detrimental impact of these operations on Philippine society, declaring, "It is time to end their disruptive presence and safeguard our nation from further abuse."
The ban reflects a strategic move to combat organized crime and uphold national sovereignty. Marcos underscored the importance of restoring public trust in governance by eliminating illicit activities associated with the gambling industry.
Implementation Challenges and Economic Impact
The ban extends to all POGOs, including the 43 remaining legal entities now termed internet gaming licensees (IGLs), as clarified by the chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). This directive aims to decisively close loopholes exploited by POGOs involved in criminal activities.
The transition poses economic challenges as thousands of Filipino jobs are at risk. Government agencies such as PAGCOR and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are tasked with managing the impact on affected workers, proposing retraining and reallocation measures to mitigate unemployment.
Legislative and Future Directions
Legislatively, Speaker Martin Romualdez has called upon Congress to enact comprehensive legislation that reinforces the President's directive. This move aims to establish a robust legal framework that prevents the resurgence of similar enterprises in the future. Meanwhile, ongoing investigations in both the Senate and the House of Representatives are scrutinizing the broader implications of the POGO industry, seeking to uncover any remaining loopholes or regulatory oversights that may have facilitated criminal activities.
