Philippines passes law to permanently ban POGOs

In a significant legislative move, the Philippine Senate has taken definitive action against offshore gaming operations, known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), by passing Senate Bill 2868, also referred to as the Anti-POGO Act. This legislation aims to permanently outlaw POGO activities across the nation, prioritizing the safety and welfare of the public.

With unanimous support, the Senate’s passage of this bill reflects a growing consensus among lawmakers regarding the negative implications of POGO operations. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the bill’s sponsor, characterized this decisive step as a direct response to widespread public demand for the termination of what he termed the “POGO menace.” The House of Representatives echoed this sentiment, approving a companion bill with a resounding vote of 172-1 on the following day.

The POGO industry, which was initially initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration with the enactment of Republic Act 11590 in 2021, aimed to generate substantial tax revenues, estimated at PHP32 billion annually, primarily to fund healthcare initiatives. Unfortunately, the reality has starkly contrasted these aspirations, with actual tax collections plummeting to PHP3.91 billion in 2021 and only PHP8.88 billion in 2022—far below projected targets.

Beyond fiscal shortcomings, POGOs have garnered notoriety for being associated with various criminal activities and societal issues. Numerous reports have implicated the sector in scams, exploitation, and human trafficking. In 2024 alone, thousands of workers were rescued from illegal POGO facilities, where they were purportedly coerced into participating in online fraud schemes and subjected to threats and abuse. In light of these developments, President Marcos condemned the industry’s evolution from a regulated framework into a breeding ground for organized crime.

To address these grave concerns, the newly enacted legislation introduces a range of enforcement measures, including asset seizures and deportations of foreign workers implicated in illegal operations. Currently, approximately 9,000 foreign POGO employees are reportedly still residing in the Philippines despite orders for their departure. Authorities have ramped up enforcement efforts, evidenced by the recent detention of 750 foreigners across ten separate raids this year, although challenges persist due to overcrowded detention facilities.

Gilbert Cruz, a representative from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, has emphasized the necessity of implementing a centralized database and fostering improved local coordination to effectively monitor and dismantle underground POGO activities. This systemic approach aims to ensure the long-term safety and security of the Philippine gaming industry, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining a regulated and responsible gaming environment.