Photo credit: Senate PH

The Senate is turning up the heat on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and if this new bill passes, their days are officially numbered.

Senator Win Gatchalian took the floor to push for Senate Bill No. 2868, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2024”, which aims to ban offshore gaming operations completely by January 1, 2025. Gatchalian made it clear: the fight isn’t just about economics; it’s about cleaning up the country’s moral and social landscape.

“Beyond economics, we must also confront the social and moral cost of maintaining POGOs,” Gatchalian said. “We have allowed our country to become a playground for exploitation and human trafficking where forced labor takes root within our borders.”

The proposed bill doesn’t mince words—it seeks to declare offshore gaming illegal, effectively overturning Republic Act No. 11590, which previously taxed POGO operations. If passed, no person or entity will be allowed to run or even offer offshore gaming services in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has been vocal about POGO-related crimes, is doubling down on accountability. Co-sponsoring the bill, Hontiveros emphasized the need for stricter penalties, especially for government officials who turn a blind eye or even assist illegal gaming operations.

"Malinaw na wala silang lugar sa ating lipunan," said Hontiveros, who has spearheaded investigations into criminal activities tied to POGOs, including human trafficking and suspected espionage.

Hontiveros believes the Anti-POGO Act gives more power to the presidential order expelling offshore gaming operators. “It’s time we take back control and send a strong message: the Philippines is not a haven for exploitation.”

With rising concerns over crime, corruption, and social harm linked to POGOs, it seems the Senate is making its move to shut the door—this time for good. If all goes as planned, POGOs will be out of the Philippines by early 2025.