Sen Villanueva files bill to ban POGOs, impose fines

Senator Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 2752 on Tuesday to repeal the tax law for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s ban on all POGOs.

The bill calls for permanently canceling POGO licenses and giving them 30 days to cease operations, in compliance with President Marcos's directive, and imposes a fine of PHP100 million and up to 20 years in jail for non-compliance.

Villanueva also suggested repurposing the buildings formerly used by POGOs as housing or evacuation centers due to their structural integrity.

The bill mandates the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide a Workers' Transition Program through TESDA and other relevant agencies for affected POGO workers.

Under Villanueva's proposed Anti-POGO Act, the Bureau of Internal Revenue will continue collecting unpaid taxes from POGOs after the tax law is repealed.

Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Resolution 1091 directing his committee to hold hearings on how the government will address displaced POGO-related workers.