MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) for the immediate ban of offshore gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.
EO 74, which was signed by the Chief Executive recently, covers the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), internet gaming licensees (IGLs), and other offshore gaming licensees.
The ban on POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operations also encompasses the illegal offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations, according to the new EO.
This is in line with the government’s commitment to protecting the interest of national security, public safety, and maintenance of public order, as well as to upholding the rule of law.
The risks and negative consequences, such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people associated with POGO activities, “significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry,” based on the study conducted by the Department of Finance (DOF).
EO 74 creates two technical working groups (TWGs) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that will effectively enforce the ban on POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operators.
One of the newly created TWGs is the TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration, which is designated to address the impact of the foregoing ban on the affected sectors of the economy and ensure the reintegration of displaced Filipino workers and the provision of assistance and safety nets, which include upskilling and reskilling programs.
EO 74 also forms the TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations tasked to further intensify the crackdown on all illegal POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operators without the requisite license, authorization, or permit.
EO 74 also directs the Department of Tourism to monitor tourism establishments and facilities to ensure that they are not used for POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming operations or services.
The PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are instructed to expedite the collection of applicable fees and taxes related to the offshore gaming industry, in accordance with relevant laws.
The EO was issued after Marcos in July this year heeded snowballing calls to ban POGOs in the country because of the controversies and illegal activities hounding the industry./PN
