Rumors continue to circulate that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may announce a nationwide ban on POGOs during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this coming Monday. The speculation has grown louder as public and political pressure mounts.
Recently, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have dominated headlines. Their growing presence and mounting controversies have drawn intense scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and the public alike. In particular, the case of embattled “POGO Mayor” Alice Guo has sparked national outrage and elevated calls for direct presidential action.
Several politicians and advocacy groups have demanded an immediate and complete ban on all China-facing POGOs. Others have urged at least the closure of illegal and unregulated operators. These groups argue that POGOs contribute minimal long-term economic value to the country. At the same time, they claim the industry enables serious criminal activity and tarnishes the Philippines’ image as a safe destination for tourism and foreign investment.
As a result, the industry now faces a cloud of uncertainty. Many are waiting for Monday’s SONA with high anticipation, expecting President Marcos to address the POGO issue directly and definitively.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, however, opposes a total ban. He continues to advocate for tighter regulation instead. He also points to the significant revenue legitimate operators contribute to the national economy. In a recent statement, Tengco emphasized that reforms—not prohibition—offer the best path forward.
During the first half of 2024 alone, PAGCOR earned PHP17.5 billion from licensed online operators. Based on current growth, PAGCOR now projects these earnings to reach PHP42 billion by the end of the year.
Given this context, an outright ban seems less likely. However, President Marcos may use his address to announce stricter enforcement measures or regulatory reforms. Such actions would aim to eliminate illegal operators while preserving the economic benefits brought by legal ones.
For now, the country watches and waits. Monday’s speech could mark a defining moment for the future of POGOs in the Philippines.
