The House Committee on Games and Amusements has approved a bill aimed at banning all forms of offshore gaming operators (POGO) in the Philippines and imposing severe penalties on violators.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the panel approved House Bill No. 10987, the "Anti-Offshore Gaming Operators Act," which was merged with other bills concerning the prohibition of POGOs.
Representative Roy M. Loyola of the 5th District proposed the approval of these measures.
"After hearing all the special speakers' positions at today's hearing, everyone agreed to support the ban on offshore gaming operations in the Philippines," said Loyola.
"I propose that we approve House Bill No. 10987, to be merged with House Bills No. 5082, 10525, 10636, and 10725, subject to formatting requirements. Likewise, I propose that we approve the committee report on this bill," he added.
Following a seconding motion, his proposal was approved by the panel chair, Representative Antonio Ferrer of Camarines Sur.
In this year's State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs.
He also directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to shut down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of 2024.
