The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Committee (PAOCC) emphasized that by 2025, even "small-scale operations" of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) will no longer be allowed in the country.
This follows after President Ferdinand Marcos's complete ban on online gambling companies in his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. An executive order issued on November 8 directs online gambling companies to cease their operations by today, December 31, 2024.
Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, noted that most online gambling operators have already ceased, although a few persist under the ban.
In an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Cruz said, "We still see some who are very stubborn. Others, according to our reports and those we monitor, are actually engaging in small-scale online gambling operations. They like it that way."
"Because it's really crowded there, and many foreigners go there, they are not obvious," he added. "So these are what we are monitoring, and of course, in the new year, we will start catching them."
Cruz stated that PAOCC and other government agencies will pursue these small-scale operations and have asked local government units to keep a close watch.
According to Cruz, Marcos himself pointed out signs of online gambling operations in certain areas.
Speaking of the president's message, Cruz said, "Like an area having more foreigners, then some people increasing internet connections, then some people delivering food to the area. He said these are indicators of online gambling operations."
Cruz added that if local government officials suspect online gambling operations in their area, they can seek help from PAOCC, the Philippine National Police, or the National Bureau of Investigation.
"Let's work together to address this issue," he said, also emphasizing the "total ban" on online gambling operations.
"Others are actually conducting small-scale operations, but this is no longer possible. We are completely banned. Of course, we will catch them, no matter if they say they have a PAGCOR license or they say they are a BPO. But they are not, that won't happen. We will definitely arrest you in January," Cruz said. Last December 15, the remaining licenses of online gambling companies were officially revoked.
Meanwhile, foreign online gambling company workers are also being advised to leave the country. Cruz mentioned that about 200,000 workers have requested to downgrade their visa status, and about 20,000 have already left the Philippines.
