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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Signs Law Banning POGOs In The Philippines
Bamban Pogo Hub FILE
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially ended the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country after signing Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.
The landmark law, signed in late October 2025, prohibits all forms of offshore gaming operations and related activities in the Philippines. It also repeals Republic Act No. 11590, which had previously allowed and taxed POGOs under government regulation.
Under RA 12312, all licenses, permits, and accreditations granted to POGOs are revoked, and any company or individual found engaging in offshore gaming will face penalties, fines, and possible imprisonment. The law also orders the deportation of foreign workers employed in the industry and mandates government agencies to assist displaced Filipino employees.
The Marcos administration said the move seeks to protect the country from “criminality, corruption, and moral decay” linked to the offshore gaming sector. Over the years, authorities have tied several POGO operations to human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering.
“The signing of the Anti-POGO Act is a strong statement that we will not tolerate illegal activities that threaten our national security and social order,” Malacañang said in a statement.
The Philippines, once considered a regional hub for offshore gaming, now joins other Asian countries that have completely shut down the controversial industry.
RA 12312 will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
The landmark law, signed in late October 2025, prohibits all forms of offshore gaming operations and related activities in the Philippines. It also repeals Republic Act No. 11590, which had previously allowed and taxed POGOs under government regulation.
Under RA 12312, all licenses, permits, and accreditations granted to POGOs are revoked, and any company or individual found engaging in offshore gaming will face penalties, fines, and possible imprisonment. The law also orders the deportation of foreign workers employed in the industry and mandates government agencies to assist displaced Filipino employees.
The Marcos administration said the move seeks to protect the country from “criminality, corruption, and moral decay” linked to the offshore gaming sector. Over the years, authorities have tied several POGO operations to human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering.
“The signing of the Anti-POGO Act is a strong statement that we will not tolerate illegal activities that threaten our national security and social order,” Malacañang said in a statement.
The Philippines, once considered a regional hub for offshore gaming, now joins other Asian countries that have completely shut down the controversial industry.
RA 12312 will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Oct 29, 2025
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