POGOs Face Final Deadline Amid Government Crackdown
The Philippines is nearing the culmination of its effort to eliminate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by December 31, 2024. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the phase-out in July, citing concerns over criminal activities such as human trafficking and murder tied to the industry.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco confirmed that only 17 licensed POGOs remain, down significantly from the nearly 300 operators active in 2019. Tengco expressed confidence that there would be “no more licensed POGOs operating by the end of this year.”
However, unlicensed operations continue to challenge authorities. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned of the potential for underground setups emerging.
Governance Failures and National Security Risks
A recent Senate investigation highlighted how governance lapses enabled POGOs to infiltrate Philippine society. The probe linked some operations to Chinese interests, raising alarms over espionage and threats to national security. Instances of POGO facilities being located near military bases and reports of People’s Liberation Army uniforms have added to the concerns.
Alice Guo, a Chinese national posing as a Filipina, exemplifies the governance issues. Guo was elected mayor in Bamban, Tarlac, allegedly facilitating a POGO operation in the province. She now faces multiple charges, including human trafficking and money laundering. Editorials have called her case a “Trojan horse” strategy, highlighting how POGOs undermine national security and peace in Philippines.
Deportations and Legal Actions Intensify
Law enforcement has ramped up efforts to dismantle POGO operations. The NBI recently arrested 60 individuals at a suspected POGO in Davao del Norte. These operators had reportedly moved from Luzon following earlier raids. Additionally, the PAOCC deported 187 foreign workers linked to offshore gaming, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
Collaborative efforts between Philippine and Chinese authorities have also led to the repatriation of around 360 Chinese nationals this year. These measures reflect a commitment to eradicating illegal gambling operations and restoring order.
China’s embassy in Manila has supported the Philippine government’s stance, citing alignment with China’s anti-gambling laws. This cooperation underscores the regional impact of the POGO phase-out, as both nations work to curb illicit activities associated with offshore gaming.
Combat the Spread of Illegal Casinos
PAGCOR, or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, is a state-run organization under the Philippine President's Office, created to combat the spread of illegal casinos during the Martial Law period.
Established by Presidential Decree 1067-A and later reinforced by the PAGCOR Charter (PD 1869), the organization was tasked with regulating and licensing gambling operations, generating revenue for government programs, and boosting Philippine tourism.
A significant milestone in PAGCOR’s history occurred in 2007, when Republic Act No. 9487 extended its existence for 25 years, renewable for another 25. The amendments also allowed the entity to enter partnerships, required local government approval for operational sites, excluded jai-alai from its scope, and specified its regulatory limits.
Operating nine casinos nationwide, PAGCOR is both a regulator and an operator, ensuring legal and controlled gaming activities while channeling revenues to national development efforts. Its multifaceted role underscores its importance in promoting transparency and economic growth in the country’s gaming sector.
SOURCE: “Countdown to the End of POGOs in the Philippines”, https://lcb.org/news/countdown-to-the-end-of-pogos-in-the-philippines, lcb.org, December 13, 2024.