PBBM orders immediate ban of POGOs, IGLs, other offshore gaming ops

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

EO 74, inked by Marcos on Nov. 5, covers the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming licensees (IGLs), and other offshore gaming licensees. (File Photo: Philippine Communications Office/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 74, ordering the immediate ban of the Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.

EO 74, inked by Marcos on Nov. 5, covers the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming licensees (IGLs), and other offshore gaming licensees.

The ban on POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations also encompasses the illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations, according to the new EO.

This is in line with the government’s commitment to protecting the interest of national security, public safety, and maintenance of public order, as well as to upholding the rule of law.

The risks and negative consequences, such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with POGO activities “significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry,” based on the study conducted by the Department of Finance (DOF).

Technical working groups 

EO 74 creates two technical working groups (TWGs) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that will effectively enforce the ban on POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operators.

One of the newly created TWGs is the TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration, which is designated to address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers and the provision of assistance and safety nets, which include upskilling and reskilling programs.

It will be chaired by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and vice chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment.

Its members include the DOF, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the National Economic and Development Authority.

EO 74 also forms the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations tasked to further intensify the crackdown on all illegal POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operators without the requisite license, authorization, or permit.

It is also instructed to facilitate, coordinate, and ensure the immediate investigation of individuals engaged in the offshore gaming industry; ensure the prosecution of violators to the fullest extent of the law; initiate and carry out the deportation process of foreigners employed in the offshore gaming industry; and closely monitor the implementation of the foregoing ban until the complete termination of POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operators or services.

The TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations will be chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and vice chaired by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Members include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.

The PAOCC, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies, such as the PNP and the NBI, are directed to intensify their efforts against illegal POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations and services.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is also directed to assist the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations in securing the cooperation of homeowners associations to ensure the non-proliferation of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations and services in subdivisions, condominiums, and other real estate developments, and to immediately report any such operations or activities to the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations.

EO 74 also directs the Department of Tourism to monitor tourism establishments and facilities to ensure that they are not used for POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations or services.

The PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are instructed to expedite the collection of applicable fees and taxes related to the offshore gaming industry, in accordance with relevant laws.

“All other NGAs (national government agencies), GOCCs (government-owned or -controlled corporations) and instrumentalities are hereby directed to provide the necessary assistance and support towards the successful implementation of this Order,” read EO 74, which takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

All local government units and the private sector are urged to support the immediate close of POGO/IGL and offshore gaming operations.

EO 74 was issued after Marcos in July this year heeded snowballing calls to ban POGOs in the country because of the controversies and illegal activities hounding the industry.

Serious commitment

In separate statements, Senators Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian thanked President Marcos for issuing EO 74, saying that it showed the government is serious in its commitment to totally eradicate POGOs.

“This decisive action demonstrates the government’s commitment to permanently shutting down POGOs while ensuring the welfare of displaced Filipino workers,” Villanueva said.

He said the order would also be the basis of the counterpart legislation being discussed in both chambers of Congress, which would solidify the executive branch’s policy and ensure its lasting impact.

“At the same time, we will continue to advocate for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2752 or the Anti-POGO Act and Senate Bill No. 1281 or the Anti-Online Gambling Act, both of which aim to eliminate and penalize all forms of e-gambling in the country,” he added.

Gatchalian said he has seen the POGO industry turning the country into a haven for human trafficking, scamming, kidnapping, and other criminalities that have adversely affected Filipinos.

“I would like to thank the President for taking a decisive stand for peace and order with the issuance of an executive order prohibiting all POGO-related activities in the country,” Gatchalian said.

“This affirms the government’s commitment to safeguard our citizens from exploitation and harm and protect the country from social ills,” he said.

Gatchalian also commended various law enforcement agencies, particularly the PAOCC, PNP and NBI, for their aggressive campaign against illegal POGOs. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)