House Passes Bill to Outlaw Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators
The House of Representatives decisively approved a bill to outlaw Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), an industry tied to international criminal networks. Receiving 172 votes in favor during the plenary session on June 10, House Bill No. 10987 aims to ban all forms of offshore gaming operations in the country.
This bill, reinforcing President Marcos’ directive to shut down all POGOs announced in his July 22, 2024 State of the Nation Address, also specifies penalties for violations. The crackdown reflects growing concerns over the criminal activities linked to POGOs, which surged during the previous administration.
Crimes Linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators
POGOs have been connected to a range of serious offenses, including money laundering, espionage, cyber hacking, and wiretapping. More disturbingly, they have also been associated with violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, rape, prostitution, and torture, local leaders noted.
Under HB No. 10987, all offshore gaming licenses or franchises granted by authorities like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), and Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) will be revoked.
Comprehensive Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators
The bill consolidates five separate proposals and declares it illegal for any individual or group to engage in offshore gaming operations within the Philippines. This includes facilitating offshore gaming by any means, accepting bets, providing services, maintaining operation hubs, or owning gaming laboratories.
It also prohibits possession of any offshore gaming materials and forbids aiding or protecting these activities. Furthermore, visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration and employment permits from the Department of Labor and Employment for foreign workers involved in offshore gaming will be canceled.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violators face strict penalties: a first offense carries imprisonment of four to six years and fines between ₱100,000 and ₱500,000. Repeated offenses increase jail time to eight to ten years and fines up to ₱10 million.
The bill mandates the confiscation of all properties, equipment, and proceeds linked to illegal offshore gaming, except when owned by innocent third parties. Additionally, all POGOs, their support providers, local agents, and business process outsourcing companies must settle all outstanding taxes and fees.
This legislative move signals a strong commitment to eradicate offshore gaming operations that have long posed security and social risks to the country.
For more news and updates on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, visit Filipinokami.com.