PBBM signs EO banning POGOs including casinos

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 74, formalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

The EO, signed on November 5, aims to clarify the scope of the POGO ban, which had been a subject of uncertainty for businesses and government agencies.

Marcos clarified that casinos and resorts with casinos are not exempt from the ban, stating, "They cannot. There's just no way because it's the nature of the operation that we are banning."

He further emphasized that the ban is implemented regardless of whether POGO operations are under PAGCOR.

The President believes that EO 74 is sufficient to ban POGOs, negating the need for additional legislation.

Senator Risa Hontiveros had previously raised concerns about unclear provisions in the EO, including the exemption of certain establishments.

In his State of the Nation Address in July 2024, Marcos initially banned all POGOs due to their involvement in illicit activities like scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.