Rappler
Newsbreak Chats: POGO ban — making it happen
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered a nationwide ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) by the end of the year, citing "grave abuses and disrespect to our system of laws."
He instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease POGO operations, with a legislative measure or executive order to be enacted to ensure the ban is institutionalized.
The ban follows months of investigations and controversies, including raids on POGO workplaces that uncovered alleged paraphernalia used for internet scamming and torture.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra stated that an executive order is sufficient to implement the ban, as gaming operations fall under PAGCOR, which reports to the Office of the President.
The Bureau of Immigration has given foreigners employed in POGOs and internet gambling licensee companies 60 days to leave the country.
Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto supports the ban, stating its costs outweigh its benefits.
Economists warn the ban could adversely impact local employment, real estate rentals, and demand for retailers and other commercial establishments.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Joel Villanueva are advocating for a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to the significant social costs associated with their operations.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed that his administration is focused on eradicating criminality, specifically the operation of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs in the country.
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Senator Joel Villanueva has filed Senate Bill No. 2752 to repeal the law taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and permanently cancel their licenses, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ban them.
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Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile expressed his full agreement with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to implement a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Alejandro Tengco clarified that the 44 Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) are included in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
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