A bill aimed at institutionalizing the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) has been submitted to the full Senate.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed Senate Bill No. 2868, the proposed "Anti-POGO Act of 2024," which includes Committee Report No. 342 drafted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Gatchalian stated that the bill aims to "permanently eliminate" the operations of online gaming companies in the Philippines, aligning with the executive order of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.
The senator mentioned that by passing this bill, it will be institutionalized, meaning the ban will "transcend the current administration."
Gatchalian said: "The Anti-POGO Act of 2024 establishes strict provisions to end the destructive control of offshore gaming within the Philippines, ensuring that from January 1, 2025, no individual or entity shall operate or even provide offshore gaming services within the country."
The senator stated that SB 2868 prohibits and penalizes the establishment, operation, or development of offshore gaming in the Philippines; accepting any bets or gambling activities related to these operations; acting as a game content provider or certification service provider for POGO;
creating and operating POGO hubs or POGO sites in the Philippines; owning any gaming equipment or paraphernalia used for offshore gaming; and any act of assisting, protecting, or inciting the implementation of the prohibited measures.
The bill stipulates that all POGO-related licenses will be fully revoked by December 31, 2024.
It also cancels all foreign work permits issued to individuals involved in POGO operations.
The bill also proposes that all POGOs, game content providers, service providers, and local gaming agents will still be liable for all taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and all other fees due to the government.
Gatchalian stated that any violation of the proposed measures will constitute an illegal activity under Republic Act No. 9160 or the "Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001."
Recruiting any Filipino or foreigner for purposes related to POGO will be considered a violation of RA 10364 Section 4 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, which aims to "firmly stop the exploitative practices bred by POGO."
Gatchalian mentioned that if government employees or officials are found violating the proposed measures, they will not only face penalties but will also be dismissed and permanently disqualified from holding any government position, with their retirement benefits also being forfeited.
Furthermore, SB 2868 directs the Department of Labor and Employment, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Commission on Higher Education, and other relevant agencies to closely cooperate in providing support for the transition of affected Filipino workers.
As part of institutionalizing the ban, the Senate bill will also repeal RA 11590 or the law taxing POGO.
"With each provision, we are creating a framework that not only prohibits offshore gaming operations but also establishes safeguards for our people," said Gatchalian.
"Let us remember, the victims are not just numbers in crime reports or faceless statistics. They are people with names, faces, and families. Everyone has their own story, and everyone deserves justice. Standing by idly and doing nothing is an irony, and this august body has a responsibility to take decisive action to end the cycle of crime and injustice brought by POGO to our shores," he added.
One of the main proponents of the bill, Senator Joel Villanueva, supports the measure's progress in the Senate and emphasized the necessity of the law banning the online gaming industry, as it needs to "transcend the current government."
He said: "This bill will help eliminate all traces of POGO in our country, including any means that would allow them to return and resume operations."
"Without a doubt, the economic, social, legal, and moral consequences of POGO far outweigh its benefits. We reiterate our strongest and most sincere desire to stop the POGO operations in our country," he added.
Senate Minority Deputy Leader Risa Hontiveros, who led the cost investigation of Philippine online gaming companies, also emphasized the necessity to enact this bill into law to implement the president's order to ban the industry.
Hontiveros stated: "I hope this bill is clear enough to end all forms of POGO, IGL, or any such entities appearing under other names."
She also informed the parliament about amendments that would impose stricter penalties on government officials who help and encourage these POGOs to continue operating.
