The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) expects the President of the Philippines to issue an Executive Order (EO) banning offshore gaming operations (POGOs) within the next two weeks.
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz confirmed this during a session with the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. He said he had already reviewed the draft EO. However, officials are still discussing key details related to its implementation.
“The method of implementation is still being resolved,” Cruz stated, according to the Inquirer. “Discussions currently focus on the concept of the operation and its dissemination,” he added.
Meanwhile, senators raised concerns about the EO’s possible impact on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies and online gaming platforms. In response, Cruz explained that a technical working group—including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)—would address those specific issues.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian clarified that lawmakers plan to clearly define what constitutes a POGO. He emphasized the importance of identifying all related businesses. “All of this will be included in the law to ensure that POGOs cannot operate again, regardless of who is President,” Gatchalian said.
Furthermore, Gatchalian expressed concerns about PIGOs, or onshore gaming services targeting local clients. He pointed out flaws in how the industry currently sets up player accounts and highlighted the need for stricter regulation.
He then asked PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco whether the rise of eGaming in integrated resorts could reduce revenue from traditional land-based casinos. Tengco agreed that the shift could impact the industry. However, he also noted that in-person gaming would likely remain strong in both domestic and international integrated resorts.
At the same time, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva echoed Gatchalian’s stance. They joined his call for a total ban on online gambling. Together, they aim to merge their individual bills into one comprehensive law that would fully outlaw all forms of POGO activity.
Now, the industry awaits the official Executive Order and its final scope. The deadline to act remains at the end of the year, following President Marcos’ earlier announcement regarding the national POGO ban.
