POGOs Out: Marcos Signs Law Banning Offshore Gaming in PH

- Advertisement -

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which declares all offshore gaming operations (POGOs) and similar activities illegal in the Philippines.

Under Republic Act No. 12312, all work permits and visas issued to individuals involved in POGOs—including gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents—are now revoked.

- Advertisement -

The law, signed on October 23, 2025, mandates the cancellation of licenses for all POGO-related entities and holds them accountable for unpaid taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and other government dues up to the final day of their operations.

To assist affected Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been tasked with implementing transition programs to support their livelihood and employment shift.

An Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) will be formed to ensure the law’s effective enforcement, composed of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (as chair), the Department of Justice, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The passage of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 marks a significant policy shift amid growing concerns over national security, criminal activity, and regulatory challenges linked to offshore gaming operations.

- Advertisement -

Latest

ICC Prosecutors ask appeals chamber to deny Duterte defense request for extra filings

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has urged the...

Sara Duterte, OVP, DepEd officials face plunder complaints over confidential funds

CIVILS society groups filed plunder, bribery, and malversation complaints...

DILG downplays alleged threats to contractor Sarah Discaya amid flood control probe

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)...

Sandiganbayan rejects bid to merge cases vs. Zaldy Co, DPWH officials over Mindoro flood project

THE Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division has denied the prosecution’s request...

Sara Discaya to Remain in NBI Detention Pending Court Arrest Warrant

Sara Discaya will continue to stay at the National...

Newsletter

Sara Duterte, OVP, DepEd officials face plunder complaints over confidential funds

CIVILS society groups filed plunder, bribery, and malversation complaints on Friday against Vice President Sara Duterte and several officials from the Office of the...

Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia as Trump-backed peace deal nears breakdown

THAILAND carried out airstrikes against Cambodia on Monday after fresh fighting flared along the two countries’ disputed border, raising doubts over the survival of...

Dr. Rogelio Florete Named Among 2025 Captains of the Industry by PCCI Iloilo

Dr. Rogelio Florete, Chairman of the Florete Group of Companies, has been honored as one of the 2025 Captains of the Industry by the...