Photo credit: Congress PH

Determined to carry out President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to put an end to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), the House of Representatives has taken a firm step forward. Under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, lawmakers approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 10987, also known as the proposed “Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act.”

The bill sends a clear message: the Philippines is shutting its doors on all forms of offshore gaming activities. This move stems from growing concerns over the rising number of criminal activities linked to these operations, including human trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organized crime.

Through this measure, the government aims not just to protect public order but also to uphold national integrity. It mandates the immediate cancellation of all existing licenses and franchises granted to offshore gaming operators. This includes those issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan.

The bill covers not only the primary gaming operators but also their agents and service providers, closing potential loopholes that could allow these businesses to persist under different labels.

This legislative action aligns with President Marcos’ broader agenda to crack down on activities that compromise public safety and tarnish the country’s reputation. As the bill now heads toward enactment, it marks a decisive shift in national policy—placing the welfare of the Filipino people above the revenue generated from offshore gaming.