Philippines President Marcos Announces POGO Ban

Philippines President Announces Ban on POGOs Amid Links to Serious Crime

A seismic shift is hitting the Philippines’ gambling industry!

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has announced a complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Understand the implications of this move and the serious crimes linked to the POGO sector.

Stay updated on the unfolding developments and legislative changes in the Philippines.

Philippines President Announces POGO Ban Amid Links to Serious Crime

In a significant policy shift, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This announcement, made during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), is aimed at curbing the illicit activities linked to these operators.

Reasons Behind the Ban

President Marcos accused the POGO sector of facilitating a range of serious crimes, including financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder. He emphasized that these illegal activities have caused “grave abuse and disrespect” to Philippine laws, necessitating immediate action.

“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder,” Marcos stated during his address.

Legislative Support and Implementation

Marcos’ call for action was met with enthusiastic support, with the house agreeing to expedite the initiation of the ban. House Speaker Martin Romualdez pledged swift action, stating, “The president’s SONA will provide a clear roadmap, and the house is prepared to translate this vision into tangible legislative outcomes. We are prepared to hit the ground running and deliver on our promises to the public.”

Following the president’s directive, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has been ordered to halt all POGO operations by the end of the year. This decisive move aims to cleanse the industry of its criminal affiliations and restore legal integrity.

Historical Context and Campaigns Against POGOs

The campaign to outlaw POGOs began gaining traction in 2022. Senator Joel Villanueva introduced Senate Bill 1281 in September 2022, aiming to ban all forms of online gambling. This bill was introduced amid claims that prominent public figures were being influenced by the POGO sector. Villanueva’s efforts underscore the growing concerns within the government about the negative impacts of these operators.

Serious Crimes and High-Profile Incidents

POGOs have been increasingly controversial due to their association with serious crimes. In May 2023, over 1,000 computers were seized from CGC Technologies, a POGO provider accused of credit card fraud and human trafficking. High-profile raids, like the one in Porac, revealed evidence of torture, further intensifying calls for stricter regulation and oversight.

Earlier this month, the disappearance of suspended Bamban mayor Alice Guo after her involvement in crimes related to the offshore gambling industry highlighted the severity of the issue. A warrant was issued for Guo’s arrest after she failed to attend court hearings, raising fears that she might have fled the country.

Pagcor’s Position and Economic Impact

Despite the crackdown, Pagcor chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco defended legitimate POGOs in June. He emphasized that licensed POGOs have contributed significantly to national revenue, generating over PHP5 billion ($85 million/€79 million/£66 million) in 2023 alone. Tengco argued that scam syndicates and alien hacking posed greater threats to national security than regulated POGOs.

However, President Marcos’ firm stance suggests a shift in policy, prioritizing the eradication of criminal elements over economic contributions from the sector.

Protecting Affected Workers

President Marcos also addressed the potential fallout from the ban, urging the Department of Labor and Employment to collaborate with economic managers to find alternative employment for Filipinos affected by the shutdown of POGO operations. This measure aims to mitigate the economic impact on workers and provide support during the transition.

Conclusion

The decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) marks a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ approach to gambling regulation. By targeting the criminal activities associated with these operators, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr aims to restore the integrity of the nation’s gambling industry. As the government moves to implement these sweeping reforms, the focus will be on ensuring that the transition is smooth and that the impacted workers are adequately supported. Stay tuned for further updates on this significant legislative shift and its implications for the future of gambling in the Philippines.