Malacañang ordered an immediate ban on offshore gaming operations within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone, signaling a strict stance on the controversial industry.
In a memorandum dated November 5, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instructed Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, Administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), to enforce the ban.
The directive issued by the Office of the President requires CEZA to halt all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming, and related offshore gaming activities within the zone.
The memo is consistent with Republic Act 7922 or the “Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995,” responding to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s July 22 State of the Nation Address calling for a ban on offshore gaming.
It also aligns with the newly signed Executive Order No. 74, which requires the complete shutdown of POGO operations by December 31.
Enrile vowed to abide by the memo, citing she is also part of the Technical Working Group to stop all illegal activities involving POGOs.
This ban marks a significant shift for CEZA, which had previously allowed offshore gaming as part of its revenue-generating activities.
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