House passes bill seeking total ban on POGOs

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 10987, the proposed "Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act," which seeks to institutionalize a total ban on all forms of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The bill prohibits various activities related to offshore gaming, including facilitating bets, operating as a service provider, establishing support hubs, and providing gaming laboratories or services.

All visas and alien employment permits issued to foreign POGO workers will be declared canceled if the bill is approved.

Violators will face escalating penalties, including jail terms ranging from four to eight years and fines up to P5 million, depending on the offense.

Buildings and equipment used in illegal offshore operations will be confiscated in favor of the government, except when they belong to innocent third parties.

This legislation aims to provide penalties beyond just prohibition, as previously ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who cited POGOs' ties to illicit activities such as money laundering, prostitution, and human trafficking.