In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) effective Monday, July 22.
The move comes after a number of high-profile POGO-related cases and investigations came to light over the past few weeks. Business associations, economic think tanks and political groups also joined forces last week to advocate for a ban on the businesses.
POGO disguises itself as a legitimate entity
“Ngayon po, naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taongbayan laban sa mga POGO (Now, we hear the people’s strong opposition to POGO),” Marcos said. "They masquerade as legitimate entities and their operations have branched into illicit areas far removed from gambling, such as financial fraud, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder. This is a gross abuse of our legal system. And the disrespect has to stop.”
"Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at pagkalanapastangan sa ating bansa (This interference with our society and desecration of our country must stop)," Marcos added. "As of today, all POGOs are banned."
PAGCOR will cease POGO operations by the end of 2024
“I hereby direct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to phase out and terminate the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” the President said. In a message to SiGMA News, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for External Communications Jun Alano said that as an agency under the Office of the President, PAGCOR will follow the directives of the President.
The President also directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the country’s economic management department to find new jobs for Filipinos who will be laid off during this period. Marcos said banning POGOs would solve many of the problems the country is experiencing.
“In order to address all the problems we suffer, all officials, law enforcement officers, government workers, and most importantly, all citizens, must always remain vigilant, principled, and considerate of the health of the country,” Marcos reminded.
