House of Representatives, Quezon City – The House has given third and final reading approval to House Bill No. 10987, permanently outlawing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) and all related activities nationwide. CIBAC party‑list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva is the principal author of the bill.

The legislation bars any individual or entity from facilitating offshore gaming through any means or device, including any form of betting, providing services, constructing hubs, or maintaining labs and logistical centers.

It also mandates the revocation of all POGO licenses, cancellation of visas and alien employment permits for foreign workers, confiscation of unlawful proceeds and assets, and the imposition of escalating penalties on violators.

The bill includes provisions for programs to assist displaced Filipino POGO workers, mirroring similar clauses in earlier versions.

In a statement, Rep. Villanueva explained that institutionalizing the ban into law is the only way to ensure lasting protection against illegal offshore gaming.

“Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) have become breeding grounds for criminality, corruption, tax evasion, money laundering, human trafficking, moral decay, and national security risks. The Filipino people has already suffered a lot at the grip of an industry built on greed and exploitation. It’s time to stamp out this evil from this country,” said Rep. Villanueva.

“This bill will permanently prohibit offshore gaming operations in the country. This legislative ban will ensure that POGOs will not simply rebrand and creep in again once the hype against it has faded,” Villanueva added.

Why It Matters

Investigations by law enforcement agencies and the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) hearings revealed that organized crime syndicates were operating within POGO facilities—sites linked to kidnappings, human trafficking, torture, prostitution, financial fraud, and money laundering. Despite generating only 0.2% of GDP in 2023, POGOs imposed heavy fiscal and social burdens—crime-control expenses, reputational damage, and lost investor confidence outweighed any economic benefit.

What Happens Next

The Senate must endorse the bill before the 19th Congress adjourns. Once both chambers concur, it goes to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing into law.

📷 CIBAC