Marcos bans POGOs by year-end, instructs PAGCOR to halt operations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Marcos instructed PAGCOR to halt all POGO operations by year-end and directed the Labor department to support workers affected by this decision in finding new employment opportunities.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed that an executive order from the Office of the President is sufficient to implement the ban on POGOs, as gaming operations fall under PAGCOR's jurisdiction.

Guevarra emphasized that the president’s decision reflects a careful assessment of competing interests and aims to address social harm caused by illegal POGO activities.

On Thursday, July 25, Rappler will host a discussion with reporters Dwight de Leon and Jairo Bolledo, as well as economist JC Punongbayan, to analyze the potential challenges and economic impacts of the upcoming POGO ban.