PBBM ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER OF NATIONWIDE POGO BAN

An executive order was released by the Palace on immediate ban on all POGOs or IGLs in the country (Photo courtesy of Maria Tan/ABS-CBN News)

Malacañang has released the Executive Order (EO) issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. citing the risks posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in the country.

The EO formalized the President's strong remarks during his third State of the Nation Address, banning all Philippine offshore gaming operators in the country.

EO No. 74 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin imposing an immediate ban on POGO, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country. Aside from the operations itself, the order likewise banned the application and renewal of new licenses, permits, and authorizations.

President Marcos said in issuing the order, “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

The President cited a study conducted by the Department of Finance (DOF) saying that POGO activities outweigh the economic and social benefits. Noting the risks and negative consequences, such as increased crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable people, significantly outweighed the economic and social benefits derived from the industry.

He also noted the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports that POGOs have been identified as susceptible to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities and therefore pose as substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system.

Under the Executive Order, all POGOs/IGLs and other offshore gaming operators without the necessary license, permit, or authorization from the relevant government licensing authority are classified as illegal gambling entities and are covered by the ongoing and intensified crackdown on illegal gambling activities being enforced by law enforcement agencies.

The application for new licenses, permits, or authorizations of POGO/IGL and other offshore gaming applicants shall no longer be allowed. It further indicated that all existing licenses, permits, or authorizations issued to POGO/IGLs shall no longer be renewed or extended. All Pogos in the Philippines with existing licenses were given until December 31 to operate.

The President also issued directives to national government agencies in response to the immediate POGO operations prohibition.

A TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will also be established, that will be composed of different agencies like law enforcement agencies (PAOCC, PNP, NBI, PDEA) or other department in the country.

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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