PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law a measure banning all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, effectively criminalizing the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The new legislation, Republic Act No. 12312, was signed on October 23, 2025, according to a copy of the document released to Palace reporters on Wednesday.
The law enshrines into statute Marcos’ earlier 2024 executive directive that halted all POGO activities after authorities linked them to a range of organized criminal activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, online scams, kidnappings, and murder.
That same year, law enforcement units raided several POGO hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac, uncovering illegal operations and alleged abuse of foreign workers.
Further details on the law’s implementing rules and its impact on the gaming sector are expected to follow.