Philippine Senate aims to ban POGOs permanently

Philippine Senate Moves to Permanently Ban Offshore Gaming Operations

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has made a bold declaration: the Philippine Senate is determined to permanently ban offshore gaming operators regardless of who holds the presidential office in the future. This decision aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance against offshore gambling, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s regulatory landscape. As the Senate prepares to turn this decision into law, Gatchalian stressed that the ban would be entrenched in legislation to ensure its longevity.

Senate Prepares Legislation to Ban Offshore Gaming

In a recent press conference, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that the Philippine Senate is aggressively working to ban offshore gaming operations, known as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). He indicated that the Senate is consolidating various bills, including Senate Bill Nos. 63, 1281, and 2752, along with SBN 2689, which he filed. This bill specifically aims to revoke Republic Act No. 11590, which currently governs the taxation of offshore gaming operators.

“We will clearly define what constitutes POGOs, what they are, and what businesses are associated with them, to institutionalize the ban,” Gatchalian stated. “Regardless of who becomes President, POGOs will no longer be permitted because it will be established by law.”

This move signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to offshore gaming, an industry that has generated substantial revenue but has also been plagued by controversies, including issues related to crime, corruption, and regulatory violations.

Addressing the Rebranding and Loopholes

As the crackdown on offshore gaming intensifies, the term POGO is no longer officially used, with some entities now referred to as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)—a rebranding effort led by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation). When questioned about this rebranding, Gatchalian clarified that the new bill would ensure that all forms of offshore gaming operations, regardless of their name or branding, would be banned.

“The bill will prohibit corporations from taking bets from outside,” he added. “Therefore, we will ban offshore gaming operators and related taxation. IGL is not explicitly mentioned in the law; it is just a rebranding by PAGCOR. The law specifically refers to Philippine offshore gaming operations.”

Broader Scope: Domestic E-Gaming Also Under Scrutiny

In addition to targeting offshore operations, Gatchalian revealed that the Senate is also reviewing the regulations around domestic e-gaming, which has become increasingly popular but lacks stringent oversight. Some senators are pushing to ban domestic e-gaming platforms as well, citing regulatory loopholes and the ease with which accounts can be created using false information.

“The revenue from e-gaming is growing, but we have also identified regulatory weaknesses,” Gatchalian explained. “For example, it is very easy to open an account for e-gaming. Even if you provide a fake name, you can still open an account.”

This broader review of the gambling landscape highlights the Senate’s commitment to tightening controls and eliminating any avenues that could allow illegal or unregulated gaming activities to flourish.

Senator Gatchalian’s firm stance on banning offshore gaming operators underscores the Philippine Senate’s resolve to safeguard the country’s integrity and prevent the negative impacts of unregulated gambling. By moving to enshrine this ban into law, the Senate aims to ensure that offshore gaming operations are permanently eradicated from the Philippines, regardless of future political changes. As the country moves towards a more regulated and controlled gaming environment, this legislative effort represents a significant step in protecting public interest and addressing long-standing issues within the gambling sector.