Senate passes Anti-POGO Act with stricter penalties

The Senate on Monday approved the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 and other priority bills, including disaster response reforms.

Senate Bill No. 2868 received 23 affirmative votes and was authored by several senators including Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, Bong Go, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, and Risa Hontiveros.

Violators under the bill may face imprisonment for six to twelve years and a fine of at least PHP 300,000; public officials or employees found guilty will receive maximum penalties.

Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighted that the bill introduces stricter corporate registration rules, heavier penalties for corrupt officials, and faster recovery of seized properties from POGO-related crimes to help victims.

In addition, Senate Bill No. 2999 was approved, which establishes a legal framework enabling national and local governments to declare a State of Imminent Disaster based on forecasted hazards.