Philippine President BBM Bans POGOs on His Third SONA

President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. has officially banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country. During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos declared, “Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” a statement that received enthusiastic applause from Congress members who chanted "BBM! BBM!"

Addressing Illicit Activities

Marcos emphasized the urgency of this decision, citing that POGOs have become hotbeds for criminal activities. “Disguising as legitimate entities, their activities have ventured into illicit areas, furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder,” he said.

Immediate Action Required

The president has tasked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) with ceasing all POGO operations by the end of the year. “I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of the year,” he stated to an approving crowd.

Support for Affected Workers

Acknowledging the potential job losses from this ban, Marcos announced that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will assist in finding new employment for Filipinos impacted by the shutdown of POGOs.

Rising Pressure and Legislative Support

Marcos's decision comes amid increasing pressure from various sectors. Recent Senate investigations have revealed numerous issues, including human trafficking, prostitution, and even suspicions of espionage. Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and Aquilino Pimentel III have all advocated for the ban, and both the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) have supported the move. 

Image: Ten-hectare illegal POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac, containing 37 buildings, condominiums, villas, a shopping mall, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

The illegal activities associated with POGOs have been highly exposed recently, as suspended Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo has been put in the spotlight for her involvement in the raided POGO operation in Bamban, Tarlac. Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian have been investigating her real identity, alleging that she is a hundred percent Chinese national holding a government post meant only for Filipinos.