In a dramatic and decisive move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), also known as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). This sweeping measure, unveiled during Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA), marks a turning point in the country’s gambling industry and underscores the government's crackdown on illicit activities.
The ban, effective immediately, was announced amid growing concerns over illegal activities linked to POGOs. President Marcos did not mince words in his address, condemning the sector for its alleged involvement in human trafficking, financial fraud, money laundering, and other severe crimes. "Effective today, all POGOs are banned. “I hereby instruct [gaming regulator] PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year"
The decision follows a series of high-profile raids on POGO operations in Pampanga and Tarlac, where authorities uncovered disturbing connections to organized crime. These raids revealed that POGOs had been operating as fronts for more nefarious activities, fueling the president’s determination to shut down the industry.
The decision to impose a full ban comes after intense debates and differing views within the government. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco had long advocated for stricter regulation rather than an outright ban. Under his leadership, PAGCOR had already reduced the number of licensed POGOs from 298 to 43 through a rigorous relicensing process.
However, the mounting evidence of criminal activities and the recent formation of a special task force by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to combat illegal POGO operations intensified the push for a complete ban. Despite Tengco’s arguments that regulated POGOs contributed significantly to Pagcor’s revenue, the government’s focus shifted towards eliminating the sector entirely.
With the ban now in effect, existing POGO operators have been given a deadline until the end of the year to wind down their activities. This rapid timeline underscores the urgency of the government’s response to the sector's issues. The Philippine House of Representatives, under Speaker Martin Romualdez, has pledged to quickly act on the president’s directive, aiming to turn this bold decision into concrete legislative action.
As the country adjusts to this sweeping change, attention will shift to the economic implications of shutting down such a significant sector. President Marcos has called on the Department of Labor and Employment to collaborate with economic managers to mitigate the impact on workers displaced by the ban.
The full ban on POGOs is not just a regulatory shift; it's a seismic event in the Philippine gaming landscape. The crackdown reflects broader concerns about the integrity of the gaming industry and its influence on national security. It also highlights the complex balance between economic interests and ethical governance.
The impact of this ban will likely resonate beyond the Philippines, serving as a potential model for other countries grappling with similar issues. As the nation navigates the aftermath of this historic decision, the focus will be on addressing the fallout and exploring new paths forward for the gaming industry.
Source:
''Philippine President Marcos bans all POGOs with immediate effect'', asgam.com, July 22, 2024.