Philippine Senate OKs POGO ban
In a decisive move to combat the resurgence of offshore gaming operations, the Philippine government has introduced legislation aimed at permanently banning such activities in the country.
On Monday, Philippine senators approved a significant piece of legislation, Senate Bill 2868, known as the Philippines Anti-POGO Act, with an overwhelming vote of 23-0. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, emphasized that this legislation serves a dual purpose: not only does it prohibit offshore gaming operations, but it also provides essential safeguards for the Filipino populace.
Gatchalian remarked, “This isn’t just a law; it’s a response to the public demand to eradicate the POGO menace.” A companion bill was subsequently passed in the House on Tuesday with a vote of 172-1, signaling a united front against the controversial industry.
Criminal Underpinnings of the ‘Legit’ Industry
The era dominated by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) was short-lived yet fraught with notoriety. Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration attempted to legitimize the industry in September 2021 with the signing of Republic Act 11590. This legislation aimed to generate substantial revenue—projected at PHP32 billion ($572 million) annually—by imposing taxes on POGOs, with 60% earmarked for universal healthcare.
However, these projections proved overly optimistic. In 2021, POGOs contributed only PHP3.91 billion in taxes, with an increase to PHP8.88 billion in 2022, and projections indicating they might reach PHP24 billion by 2024. Despite this growth, these figures are significantly below initial expectations, as highlighted by Senator Gatchalian.
Moreover, POGOs have been associated with a myriad of illegal activities that harm the country’s reputation. Reports have consistently linked the industry to crime and corruption. Following raids in 2024, several workers revealed accounts of being coerced into executing online scams and facing threats of violence. This prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to advocate for an immediate industry shutdown.
Marcos noted that POGOs, initially licensed to operate, quickly veered into illicit activities far removed from legitimate gaming, including financial scams, money laundering, human trafficking, and even violent crimes such as kidnapping and murder.
POGOs: Facing a Tough Future
The proposed legislation outlined in the Gatchalian bill aims to facilitate the seizure of POGO-related assets and continue the deportation of foreign workers affiliated with these operations. Despite these measures, it is estimated that around 9,000 non-Filipino POGO workers remain in the Philippines, resisting governmental directives to exit the country.
According to reports from the Philippine Star, authorities have apprehended 750 foreign nationals in 10 targeted POGO operations since January. However, Gilbert Cruz of the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) points out that the ongoing arrests may become unsustainable without adequate facilities to house detainees, as existing detention centers are already overwhelmed.
Cruz has suggested the establishment of a centralized database to enhance intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies and monitor illegal activities effectively. He further proposed enlisting local government units in the fight against these clandestine operations.
“This initiative is not just about dismantling illegal enterprises,” Cruz asserted. “It is also about upholding the integrity of our nation, ensuring public safety, and demonstrating globally that the Philippines will not serve as a sanctuary for criminal activity.”
The legislative measures, which aim to repeal RA 11590, now await President Marcos’ signature, moving towards a future where the Philippines can reclaim its reputation and protect its citizens from illicit activities.
