The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently sent a strong signal at a public forum, announcing an in-depth investigation into the illegal online gambling ecosystem within the country and considering recommending legislation to "completely ban" the online gambling industry. This stance has caused a shake-up in the industry and is seen as a key turning point towards a high-pressure governance approach by the government.
Gilbert Cruz, the Executive Director of PAOCC, stated that many illegal online gambling platforms currently active in the Philippines operate in a manner highly similar to the controversial "offshore gambling" (POGO), suspected of money laundering, violent debt collection, information extortion, and fraud. "We need to investigate not only who is operating these platforms but also the sources of their funds and whether they profit through intimidation, 'online loan-style harassment,' and other means," he emphasized.
Cruz pointed out that once these platforms are proven to be linked to organized crime, PAOCC will formally submit a written recommendation to Congress to push for legislation to "completely shut down the internet," effectively ending the presence of online gambling in the Philippines.
At the same time, PAOCC also specifically warned influencers and broadcasters on social platforms, key nodes of dissemination, against channeling or softly promoting illegal gambling platforms. He noted that such actions have become "boosters" in the transnational fraud chain, severely endangering public security and youth safety.
Currently, law enforcement in various parts of the Philippines has started to inspect and shut down suspected gambling hubs, with gambling capital facing an unprecedented policy chill. The industry is generally worried that once this "anti-gambling storm" becomes law, it will trigger a new wave of withdrawals by Chinese and foreign gambling projects.
From Cruz's statements, it is evident that the Philippine government is no longer satisfied with "passive regulation" and is gradually moving towards a phase of "strong rectification." If the future internet shutdown order is officially implemented, it will completely reshape the landscape of the gambling industry in the Philippines and may also serve as a weathervane for other Southeast Asian countries.
