Philippine media reported that the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) recently reiterated that its jurisdiction and enterprises are not affected by the government's ban on POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).
Enrique Razon, the administrator of CEZA, clearly stated that the license holders under the agency, including companies engaged in iGaming (online gambling) and interactive gaming support services, operate under an independent legal framework, unrelated to the POGO operations regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
When asked if Executive Order No. 74 issued by President Marcos applies to CEZA, Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla responded to the Inquirer, stating that the Department of Justice will further investigate this issue.
However, Deputy Attorney General Menardo Guevarra emphasized that the president's order to completely ban all POGO operations applies to all administrative bodies. He stated via Viber to the Inquirer: "As part of the executive branch, CEZA is obliged to comply with the president's directives."
In response, Enrique Razon explained that the iGaming licenses issued by CEZA are primarily for foreign companies operating outside the Philippines, which are prohibited from soliciting or accepting bets within the Philippines.
He also acknowledged that the POGO ban has indeed impacted CEZA's iGaming sector, but insisted that the business model of this sector is completely different from that of POGO, and therefore should not be affected by the ban.
The disagreement between CEZA and the central government on the applicability of the POGO ban may lead to further policy and legal battles, which will have a profound impact on the Philippine gaming industry.
