Philippines Begins Revocation of Remaining POGO Licenses Amid Nationwide Ban

The process of revoking licenses for the remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) officially commenced on Sunday, December 15. This decision was announced last week by Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to shut down POGO operations throughout the country.

In an interview on Sunday morning with local media outlet DZBB, Gilbert Cruz, Director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), revealed that around 20 POGOs are still operational, according to data from PAGCOR. Cruz confirmed that all POGOs and Internet Gambling Licensees (IGLs) must cease their activities by January 1. He further stated that businesses claiming to be licensed business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are no longer allowed to operate, emphasizing, “Those are no longer allowed.”

The PAOCC announced plans to inspect POGOs that assert they have stopped operations to ensure compliance with the total ban. In November, President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 74, which enforces a prohibition on POGOs and internet gaming licenses. The order encompasses illegal offshore gaming activities, halts new license applications and renewals, and mandates the discontinuation of existing operations. Marcos first introduced the POGO ban during his third State of the Nation address in July.

In response to this initiative, various government agencies, including the PAOCC, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration, began downgrading the visas of foreign POGO workers starting October 15. The Bureau of Immigration has reported that over 21,000 foreign workers have applied for visa downgrades.

According to the PAOCC, the Philippine government has already deported more than 2,300 foreign workers employed by POGOs. Gilbert Cruz reported on Friday that the majority of the deported workers were sent back to China, while others were deported to countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Cruz also noted that despite the ongoing crackdown, approximately 200 rogue POGOs are still attempting to operate across the nation.

By fLEXI tEAM