CEZA clarifies no POGOs in CSEZFP, addresses Edca concerns

Ceza Administrator Katrina Ponce Enrile stated during a House hearing on Wednesday that there are no Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP), emphasizing that this has always been the case.

Enrile clarified that while internet gaming operations exist in CSEZFP, they differ from Pogos, which were created by Pagcor under a different regulatory framework.

She highlighted that CEZA focuses solely on licensing and regulation without conflicts of interest, developed its iGaming regulations over two decades through global best practices, and closely monitors expatriates entering the zone in coordination with immigration authorities.

Enrile also addressed concerns about the proximity of gaming hubs to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites, confirming that only one Edca site is within CSEZFP and stressing its safety and security record.

Pagcor had previously clarified that there are no Pogo hubs near Edca sites, addressing ongoing investigations into illegal activities linked to Pogos.