Banning POGOs
MORE than three months after delivering his third state-of-the-nation address (SONA), President Marcos finally issued an executive order (EO) banning Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country.
It will be recalled that President Marcos first announced the ban on POGO and internet gaming licenses (IGLs) during his July 22 SONA before the joint session of Congress.
The Chief Executive told POGOs, IGLs and other offshore gaming-related operations to wind up their affairs and cease operations in the Philippines by Dec. 31, 2024.
Under EO No. 74, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, POGO and IGL operators may no longer apply for licenses, while those with existing ones can no longer renew them.
The government hit hard at these operators after reports of alleged killings, tortures, human trafficking and various cyber crimes in illegal POGOs and IGLs.
Issued on November 5, EO 74 does not cover online games of chance conducted by casinos operated by the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp., licensed casinos or integrated resorts.
Well-meaning Filipinos, including top government officials, lauded the issuance of EO No. 74 as part of government efforts to promote national security and public safety/order.
Speaker Martin G. Romualdez of the House of Representatives described the issuance of the order as a decisive act that tackled the “evils” associated with POGOs.
With the signing of EO No. 74, we expect everybody to work in unison to ensure that no POGO or IGL will operate in the country.
Dapat lang!
