During the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing on Wednesday, Al Tengco, the chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, responded to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian's inquiry about whether there are documents formally prohibiting online gaming companies by stating that Malacañang will issue an Executive Order (EO), outlining guidelines for banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) from operating in the country.
The executive order is likely to be issued within this month.
The executive order aims to cover all aspects, such as: which businesses and individuals will be affected? Does it include enterprises in export processing zones? And so on.
Tengco mentioned that some POGO companies have expressed their intention to voluntarily cease operations, including the Island Cove gaming company in Camarines Sur province, which has committed to shutting down by December 15.
He stated that cancelling all licenses would not pose a major issue, but it would be a significant challenge for the Bureau of Immigration and law enforcement agencies.
