The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) stated that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) should not operate in the country, with their licenses being revoked effective December 15, 2024.
In November, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74, which stipulates that the prohibition on POGO and internet gambling licenses should include illegal offshore gambling operations, license applications, permit renewals, and cessation of operations.
Cruz stated that they will inspect the internet gambling companies that are allegedly shut down to see if they are truly no longer operating during the complete ban period.
"We will inspect the internet gambling companies that should have been shut down... We do not want them to deceive us by saying they have shut down when in fact they have not," he said.
"Therefore, this week we will go to a major POGO hub to see if they have really shut down," he continued.
The Bureau of Immigration has set a deadline of October 15 for foreign workers previously employed by POGO to downgrade their visa status or face deportation. Over 21,000 foreign workers have applied for a downgrade in visa status.
The president has also ordered law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out small but multiple operations against POGOs that still exist in the country despite the comprehensive ban.
