Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has officially signed the Executive Order banning the nation’s offshore gaming industry, widely known as POGO.
Titled “Immediate Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines”, Executive Order No. 74 was signed by President Marcos on 5 November and published in the Official Gazette Friday – confirming the ban first announced by him during a State of the Nation Address in July.
The Executive Order clarifies that applications for new licenses, permits or authorizations under the nation’s POGO and Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) schemes will no longer be allowed; that all existing licenses, permits or authorizations will no longer be renewed or extended; and that all existing offshore gaming operations and their auxiliary services must completely cease operations on or before 31 December 2024.
It also creates two technical working groups comprised of representatives of various government departments and agencies.
The Working Group on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will be tasked with addressing the impact of the ban on affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers and the provision of assistance and safety nets, include upskilling and reskilling programs.
The Working Group on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations will further intensify the crackdown on all illegal POGOs and IGLs, facilitate, coordinate and ensure the immediate investigation of individuals engaged in the offshore gaming industry and secure their custody through the appropriate law enforcement agency, ensure the prosecution of violators, and where appropriate initiate and carry out the deportation process of foreigners employed in the offshore gaming industry.
Among specific tasks designated to government agencies in relation to the POGO ban, gaming regulator PAGCOR must expedite the collection of fees and taxes related to the offshore gaming industry, the Executive Order states.
Since President Marcos first announced the POGO ban, thousands of former offshore gaming workers have had their visas downgraded and been deported back home. However, amid concerns that many POGO operators may simply relocate to other jurisdictions, the Philippine Department of Justice has issued formal warnings – including one to the government of Timer Leste – about threats posed by offshore gaming operators.
