Marcos orders 'immediate ban' of POGOs
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the "immediate ban" of Philippine Offshore Gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country (POGO).
Fulfilling the promise he made during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 that will cease all illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations by Nov. 8.
The document classifies "illegal gambling entities" as offshore gaming operators "without the necessary license, permit, or authorization from the relevant government licensing authority."
Applications for new licenses, permits or authorizations of POGOs, and other offshore gaming applicants will also no longer be allowed.
The decision comes after the firms have been allegedly connected to crimes ranging from financial crimes to kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder over the past few years.
"Based on the study conducted by the Department of Finance, the risks and negative consequences such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with POGO activities significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry," the order stated.
"The Anti-Money Laundering Council Report indicate that POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose as substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system," it added.
POGOs have also led to "high reputational risks" that have compromised the govenment's efforts to promote the Philippines as a "safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination."
Since the Supreme Court has affirmed that a franchise or license granted by the State is a "mere privilege rather than a vested right," POGOs can be subjected to amendment, alteration, and repeal in accordance with law.
Before concluding his SONA last July, Marcos stressed that it’s time to put an end to the "grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws'' by POGO hubs in the country.
"Naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taumbayan laban sa mga POGO," he said. "Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into elicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture—even murder."
"The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan, at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa," he emphasized before earning a standing ovation and a round of applause from the crowd.
"Effective today, all POGOs are banned," he declared.
The chief executive instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year, adding that the Department of Labor and Employment should coordinate with economic managers as they "use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will now then be displaced."
