January 6, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has given all local government units (LGUs) until Jan. 10 to submit their final reports on the crackdown on all Philippine offshore gaming operations in their respective jurisdictions after the total ban on POGOs took effect on Dec. 31 last year.
In his Memorandum Circular 2025-001 issued on Jan. 2 and addressed to all governors, mayors, punong barangays and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional directors, Remulla stated that LGUs should ensure non-renewal of all business permits and licenses of POGOs and all internet gaming licenses (IGLs).
“(There should be) absolute prohibition on the operation and proliferation of POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operators within their areas of jurisdiction,” he said.
He added that LGUs should report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and DILG field officers any business entity involved in POGOs/IGLs or offshore gaming operations or services, despite the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 74, or the total ban of POGOs in the country.
“(There should be) regular inspection of business establishments in their jurisdiction to ensure no clandestine operations of POGOs/IGLs,” the DILG chief said.
President Marcos announced the total ban on all POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address in July last year, citing the growing concerns over their negative impact.
Remulla said EO 74 was issued to provide direction on the immediate ban of POGOs, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations in the Philippines.
“Section 5 thereof enjoins all local government units to fully support and contribute measures to effectively implement the foregoing ban on offshore gaming services and operations within their respective jurisdictions, consistent with their power to enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate penalties for gambling and other prohibited games of chance under Sections 447, 458 and 468 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,” he added.
The DILG chief reiterated that all POGOs are covered by the ongoing intensified crackdown on illegal gambling activities being implemented by law enforcement agencies.
Anti-POGO bill
As the Senate moves closer to passing the anti-POGO bill, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said lawmakers might request Marcos to certify the measure as urgent to expedite its passage before Congress adjourns for the May 2025 midterm elections.
All senators are supportive of the proposed measure to ban POGOs in the country, but with Congress currently on Christmas break and set to resume session on Jan. 13, lawmakers will have only 12 session days before the next recess on Feb. 7 to act on the measure, according to Gatchalian.
“Hopefully, during the 19th Congress, (the anti-POGO bill will be passed). If there is not enough time, certification will be requested from the President to make it before the legislative break. I don’t think it will be an issue, as this is in line with his pronouncement and really all aspects are already covered by the law,” he said in an interview over dzBB.
He added that the proposed measure aims to permanently ban POGOs in the Philippines, addressing concerns over their links to criminal activities, social instability and threats to national security.
The senator also noted that properties previously used by POGOs could be used for public service projects, provided that the government has taken over these forfeited assets.
“These properties can be utilized for purposes deemed appropriate by the government. In Bamban, a POGO facility with a swimming pool is being considered for conversion into a training center for police or military personnel, or as a technical training hub under the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority),” he said.
He added that a POGO property in Pasay City is currently being used as a temporary shelter for homeless people through the “Sagip sa Lansangan” program.
The facility provides short-term accommodation for those in need before they are reintegrated or assisted in returning to their provinces.
Gatchalian underscored the importance of maximizing the values of these properties for public welfare.
“If the government has forfeited these properties, they should be used to benefit the community,” he said.
He added that the government must ensure that POGOs would not be able to use their properties for other illegal activities. — Cecille Suerte Felipe
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