President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, institutionalizing a permanent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and declaring their operations unlawful.
The Anti-POGO Act of 2025 repeals RA 11590, which previously authorized offshore gaming in the country.
The law, enacted on October 23, prohibits the establishment, operation, or facilitation of offshore gaming and related activities.
It also orders the cancellation of all previously issued licenses, as well as the revocation of Alien Employment Permits and visas granted to foreign POGO workers by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Immigration.
The law stated, "The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy,"
Adding, "To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful."
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has been directed to audit all affected entities for outstanding tax obligations, while the Department of Labor and Employment will oversee the transition of displaced Filipino workers into new employment and training opportunities.
The law also establishes an Administrative Oversight Committee chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission to monitor compliance and implementation.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led several Senate inquiries into human trafficking and online scams linked to POGOs, welcomed the law's passage.
Hontiveros said, "At last, the mistake of allowing the POGO industry into the country under the previous administration will finally be corrected."
The new legislation follows the Senate's approval of the Anti-POGO Act earlier this year, which aimed to extend the ban beyond the current administration's term.
Its passage aligns with the government's broader strategy to curb financial crimes and illegal operations connected to the offshore gaming industry.
Good to know: Violators of the Anti-POGO Act face fines ranging from Php15m ($255,188) to Php50m and prison terms of up to 12 years
