A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Manila urged the Philippine government on Friday to ban offshore gaming operations. The spokesperson stated that these activities harm both Philippine and Chinese interests. They also stressed that POGOs damage the international image of both nations. In addition, they claimed POGOs strain China-Philippines relations.
“Chinese law strictly prohibits all forms of gambling,” the spokesperson emphasized during a news briefing. “The Chinese government continues to crack down on citizens engaging in gambling operations abroad, including those involved in Philippine offshore gaming.”
In July last year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), which regulates the local gaming sector, updated its policy framework. It renamed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). The new rules aim to increase oversight and eliminate illegal operations.
Nevertheless, the Chinese Embassy highlighted “ample evidence” linking offshore gaming operations to serious crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and even murder. The spokesperson pointed out that Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have maintained close coordination in recent years. They successfully launched joint operations to tackle cross-border gambling and telecom fraud.
Furthermore, the spokesperson revealed that since 2018, the two nations have jointly repatriated nearly 3,000 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gaming cases. “In the past year alone, China helped the Philippines shut down five POGO hubs. They also repatriated nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens,” the embassy added.
“We firmly oppose any unfounded accusations against China regarding POGOs,” the official noted. “We once again call on the Philippines to ban POGO operations as soon as possible to eliminate this social problem.”
Meanwhile, PAGCOR continues its licensing efforts. Recently, it converted 13 provisional IGL permits to full licenses. This increased the number of permit holders authorized to serve offshore markets to 40. Despite ongoing reforms, public and diplomatic pressure continues to mount.
Adding to the controversy, Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently filed Senate Bill 2689, seeking to outlaw offshore gaming activities. As the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Gatchalian aims to repeal the law that legalizes and taxes POGO operations. He argued that the current law is the “only instrument” that legitimizes their existence in the country.
Although the government has yet to shift its official stance, negative publicity and crime-related headlines involving POGOs continue to cast a shadow over the local gaming industry. While PAGCOR maintains regulatory authority, it faces increasing calls to reconsider the country’s position on offshore gaming.
