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Philippine POGO faces another setback! Cebu's Deputy Mayor pushes for the revision of 7 supporting ordinances, conducting a comprehensive review of Chinese-funded gambling operators.

PASA News
PASA News
·Mars

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) face another setback in Cebu. On July 9, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced that the city council will start revising several previously passed local regulations that support the POGO business, in response to national measures to regulate the industry.

Osmeña pointed out in the city council inauguration meeting that there are at least seven municipal ordinances related to POGO, including "Letters of No Objection" (LONO) issued for various sports betting and outsourcing projects. He specifically mentioned that most of these projects are undertaken by companies with Chinese names, highlighting the foreign investment background.

This stance is seen as a local level cooperation with the central government's crackdown on illegal gambling. Since 2023, the Philippine Congress has linked the POGO industry with crimes such as telecommunications fraud, kidnapping, and money laundering in a series of hearings. President Marcos Jr. has clearly stated that domestic POGO operations will be completely banned. Recently, a large-scale law enforcement operation involving illegal POGO in Cebu also took place, rescuing over 160 foreigners, which has attracted significant social attention.

Osmeña stated that the council will thoroughly review all regulations involving POGO or related outsourcing companies, reassess the qualifications and legal basis these companies had previously obtained, and does not rule out revoking their licenses.

Besides the POGO issue, Osmeña also mentioned the privatization issue of the Cebu Carbon Market, announcing plans to terminate cooperation with private enterprises. He criticized the project for "violating the commitments to the impoverished communities" and requested the city council to re-examine all regulations and zoning documents related to the management of the Carbon Market.

At 76 years old, Osmeña hinted that this might be the "last chapter" of his political career, but he promised to remain actively involved in public governance, stating he "will not stand idly by."

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival welcomed this legislative reform, calling on the new government to unite and work together to create a "city where no one is left behind."

Currently, the majority in the city council is formed by a coalition of the Barug Party and Kusug Party, with Philip Zafra serving as the speaker. Members of the opposition party BOPK did not secure any committee seats, reflecting the political landscape after the reorganization of power in the new city council.

菲律宾
菲律宾
#iGaming#政策分析#产业
Philippines
Philippines
AICebuAIGamblingRegulationAIChineseInvestmentAIPOGO

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The administrative order has been officially issued! The Philippines completely bans POGO across the board.

The administrative order has been officially issued! The Philippines completely bans POGO across the board.

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