Rumors are spreading that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will soon ban POGOs ahead of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday.
POGO (Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators) have recently dominated headlines, drawing significant attention to the industry. The public has become captivated by the case of “POGO Mayor” Alice Guo, leading to louder calls for President Marcos to take action.
Several groups and individuals, including local politicians, have demanded an outright ban or at least the shutdown of all China-facing POGOs.
They argue that these companies bring little economic benefit to the region, are heavily involved in criminal activity, and damage the Philippines’ reputation as a safe destination for tourists and business investors.
As a result, the industry now faces a period of uncertainty, with many awaiting Monday’s address with nervous anticipation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his latest SONA at the beginning of the week, and many expect him to address POGOs.
Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR (the Philippines’ gaming regulator), opposes a total ban. He recently emphasized the monetary benefits legitimate gaming companies bring to the country, citing PAGCOR’s financial results in support of his argument.
In the first half of 2024 alone, PAGCOR generated PHP17.5 billion from online operators, with projections estimating this figure will increase to PHP42 billion for the full year.
While an outright ban on POGOs seems unlikely, we may see further reforms or additional measures announced to clean up the online gaming sector, balancing the need to address illegal elements while maintaining the industry as a valuable part of the economy.