Philippine lawmakers want stronger anti-POGO laws
Philippine lawmakers are proactively addressing the resurgence of banned offshore gaming operations by introducing several legislative measures. Senator Risa Hontiveros is at the forefront, advocating for a comprehensive Anti-POGO Act to ensure the prohibition of these operations remains effective.
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) made their debut in 2016 under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Initially, they contributed significantly to the national economy, generating approximately PHP 24 billion (equivalent to £330.24 million, €398.4 million, or $412.8 million) in revenue in 2023 alone. Of this revenue, PHP 8.88 billion was directed to the government in taxes, while POGOs provided employment to over 100,000 workers, both foreign and domestic. At the height of their operation, POGO establishments accounted for around 10% of commercial office space in Metro Manila, catalyzing a notable real estate boom.
However, the rapid growth of the industry was soon overshadowed by criminal activities, including cyber-fraud and money laundering. Disturbingly, many POGOs were revealed to be mere fronts for online scams involving romantic fraud and cryptocurrency schemes. Alarmingly, recent raids uncovered instances of human trafficking and torture, as revealed by workers who were held captive.
Legislative Ban: Not the End of POGOs
In July 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enacted an immediate ban on POGOs, articulating in a passionate State of the Nation address, “This grave abuse and disrespect to our system must stop.” Despite the ban being formalized through Executive Order 74 on November 8, 2024, lawmaker concerns persist that this measure may not sufficiently prevent POGOs from resurfacing. Notably, approximately 11,000 foreign POGO employees remain in the Philippines, defying government mandates to exit by December 31, 2024.
Since the enforcement of the ban, law enforcement agencies have continued to uncover clandestine POGO operations. For instance, a covert operation in October 2023 uncovered ongoing POGO activity in Pasay City, alarmingly close to the Senate office building amid a formal investigation.
Frustrated by the persistent illicit activities, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian remarked, “Despite the president’s unequivocal directive for a total ban, criminal syndicates continue to exploit POGO resources to fuel their fraudulent operations.”
Senator Hontiveros: A Call for Comprehensive Legislation
Senator Hontiveros emphasizes that Executive Order 74 imposes insufficient restrictions, as it only bans POGOs licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). She expressed her hope that “the year 2025 will finally see the passage of the Anti-POGO Act,” stressing the urgent need for robust legislation to prevent POGOs from scamming, harming, and misleading the public.
Echoing Hontiveros, Gatchalian advocates for an expanded definition in the proposed law to encompass all gaming operations, irrespective of licensing authority. “Our proposal aims to close loopholes that have historically enabled POGO operations,” he stated in an interview with Channel News Asia.
In a particularly concerning case, Alice Guo, the elected mayor of Bamban, Tarlac—an alleged Chinese national—managed to exert influence over key military and police decision-makers while remaining under the radar. Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, has been charged with offenses related to a Bamban POGO facility.
The proposed Anti-POGO Act would also enhance immigration checks, address foreign interference, and tackle espionage concerns, as reported by CNA.
POGOs: Infiltrating Legitimate Industries
Senator Gatchalian warns that POGOs have begun masquerading as legitimate business entities across various sectors. “We must intensify our efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicates spawned by POGO operations,” he stated in a recent press release, urging law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the public to remain vigilant against POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate businesses.
An editorial from the Philippine Inquirer discussing the “post-POGO roadmap” expressed support for legislative efforts while questioning the commitment of all parties involved. “Fly-by-night POGOs are now camouflaged as restaurants, resorts, or hotels,” the editorial noted, attributing this phenomenon to the complicity of local power brokers, criminal syndicates, and potentially, public officials.
In conclusion, as Philippine lawmakers strive to ensure the permanent eradication of POGOs, comprehensive legislative measures, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to vigilant enforcement are critical to safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry and protecting the public from future exploitation.
