President Ferdinand Marcos clarified the provisions of Executive Order No. 74, which prohibits Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), online gambling, and other offshore gaming activities.
Previously, Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed concerns about potential "loopholes" in Executive Order No. 74 that might allow POGO-like businesses to continue operating in casinos and freeports managed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
Marcos explained that the executive order targets the nature of POGO operations, not their jurisdiction.
He stated, "What we are prohibiting is the nature of these businesses, not whether they are under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation."
He added, "As long as it is a POGO license, it is prohibited."
The president emphasized that the executive order is sufficient and no additional measures are needed to enforce the ban on POGO and similar businesses.
