MANILA, Philippines — Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs) have been immediately banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who cited their “grave abuse and disrespect” of Philippine regulations as justification. In making the statement, he stressed the importance of putting an end to the chaos and defilement brought about by POGOs in the nation during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (The disorder they create in our society and their desecration of our country should be stopped). Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos announced, to cheers and chants of “BBM! BBM!” from those present.
Marcos said that banning POGOs will solve a lot of the nation’s issues, acknowledging the vocal opposition from the populace. By year’s end, he directed PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, to wind down and terminate POGO activities.
Marcos promised that the labor department will locate new employment for Filipino workers affected by the prohibition in collaboration with economic managers. He urged all officials, law enforcement, and residents to remain watchful and principled for the sake of the country, saying, “This will solve many of the problems that we are encountering… but it will not solve all of them.”
Marcos brought attention to the fact that, despite their appearing legitimacy, POGOs were involved in illegal activities like as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder. According to Marcos, who cited English philosopher John Stuart Mill, “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Marcos stressed the significance of taking action against evil activities.
The decision comes after a raid in March in Bamban, Tarlac, where 875 people—mostly foreigners—were rescued from a POGO hub engaged in human trafficking and other illicit operations. The hub was connected to Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who was suspended, and is believed to be a Chinese national with erratic records.
Officials and lawmakers have largely welcomed the president’s ban. Marcos received praise from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, a strong opponent of POGOs, for his attention to public opinion and his elucidation of the offenses related to illicit offshore gambling. Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the prohibition as a triumph for the victims of human trafficking—women and children. Senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada shared these views, emphasizing how the prohibition has reduced criminal activity.
Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, along with other lawmakers including Rufus Rodriguez and Robert Ace Barbers, praised the ban and said it would put an end to the evildoing associated with POGOs. The Employers Confederation of the Philippines and the Foundation for Economic Freedom, two groups representing the business community, backed the phaseout of POGOs as well, pointing to advantages including fewer crimes and better ties with China.
