MARCOS ISSUES EO BANNING POGOS

CITING risks posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.

In issuing the EO 74, President Marcos said “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

“…In pursuit of such duty, an unequivocal ban of POGO/IGL operations was pronounced during the State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024.”

The EO cited the Department of Finance (DOF) study, saying that POGO activities significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry because of the risks and negative consequences such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with them.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Report also indicated POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities, and therefore pose substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.

“The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination,” the EO stated.

The President’s order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 5, will cover Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and Offshore Gaming Operations and Services.

All POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations and other offshore gaming-related/auxiliary/ancillary services with issued licenses, permits are expected to completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on December 31, 2024 or earlier.

And to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, Technical Working Groups (TWGs) will be created. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers.

This will also involve the provision of assistance and safety nets, which include upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure displaced workers could find new jobs.

The President also issued directives to national government agencies in response to the immediate POGO operations prohibition.

He wants the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal POGOs/GLs and other offshore gaming operations and services.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was instructed 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.

The Department of Tourism was tasked to monitor tourism establishments and facilities to ensure they are not utilized for POGO/GL and other offshore gaming operations or services.

SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ BACKS  PBBM’S BAN ON OFFSHORE GAMING

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday expressed strong support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s executive order mandating an immediate ban on POGOs and all other offshore gaming activities.

The Speaker praised the President’s decisive action, saying it aligns with the ongoing efforts of the House of Representatives to tackle the “evils” associated with POGOs.

“The House of Representatives stands with President Marcos in his push to end the evils and illegal activities tied to offshore gaming, which have put our public safety, national security, and economy at risk,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“This ban is a big step in protecting our communities and bringing order back,” added the leader of the 300-plus-strong House.