The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that by December 15 (Sunday), all licenses related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) will be revoked.
At a press conference held at the Malacañan Palace, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation stated that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos has ordered the closure of Philippine online gaming operators by the end of the year, and since then, licensees have been cooperating with Philippine authorities.
Alejandro Tengco, the chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, said: "They are slowly complying with the regulations and requesting the cancellation of their respective licenses."
Tengco assured that by January 1, 2025, there will be no POGO in the Philippines, including operators holding an Internet Gaming License (IGL).
"From January 1, 2025, no one will hold a license. Therefore, if someone still says they will continue to make a living or operate because they have a valid PAGCOR license, that is incorrect, because clearly, by December 31, 2024, PAGCOR will cancel everything," he emphasized.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) continues to combat illegal POGO operations nationwide.
According to Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, former POGO workers have established small-scale illegal operations outside the Metropolitan Manila. He added that they can operate in hotel rooms, apartments, and small residential areas, as POGO only requires an internet connection.
"Currently, our personnel are working in four regions—one in Mimaropa; two in Region IV-B; one in a resort owned by a northern official," he said.
PAOCC stated that the agency is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), PAGCOR, and local government departments.
The Department of the Interior will issue an administrative order requiring local chief executives to submit reports of suspicious activities within their jurisdiction and possible POGO establishments.
"A sudden surge in bandwidth usage, suspicious gatherings in houses not registered as businesses, and foreigners wanting to start unknown businesses all reflect this. Therefore, we ask them to report to us immediately so that we can investigate and take action," said Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla.
The Economic Impact of the POGO Closure
Although PAGCOR previously pointed out that the closure of POGO operations would lead to an estimated revenue loss of 20 to 25 billion pesos, DILG stated that this would not have a "significant" impact on the country's overall economy.
"According to NEDA data, this incident will affect 0.25% of the total GDP. Our economy will not be greatly affected. I believe that other revenue and refinancing measures from the Ministry of Finance will compensate for most of the losses," Remulla said.
The Department of the Interior will investigate cases involving local chief executives suspected of participating in local POGO operations within their jurisdiction.
"If we find that they are in any way related to protecting [POGO], they are indeed responsible, there is serious negligence, and some of their actions are contrary to the interests of the Filipino people, so they will be held accountable by the ombudsman. But of course, we cannot immediately accuse anyone. But we hope they report to us immediately," Remulla pointed out.
Remulla revealed that under the leadership of his predecessor Benhur Abalos, he received a list of 28 names indicating that local POGO operators' chief executives were operating in their respective localities, and PAOCC is investigating this.
On December 15, Remulla will personally lead the closure of the POGO center located in Kawit Island Bay, Cavite Province. The center was originally owned by the Remulla family and was sold in 2018.
