MANILA – The full force of the law will hunt and shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), vowed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In a social media post on Thursday, the Chief Executive said all the licenses of POGO and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) operators nationwide have been canceled.
“Kanselado na ang lahat ng lisensya ng POGO at IGL sa buong bansa!” President Marcos said following a meeting with the multi-agency task force that oversees the shutdown of POGOs in the country.
“Hindi na kailanman papayagang manalasa ang mga ito. Sino mang magtangka na magsagawa ng illegal na operasyon ay haharap sa buong puwersa ng ating batas,” he added.
During his third State of the Nation Address in July, President Marcos announced about the total ban in POGOs due to its links to serious issues, including human trafficking, prostitution and murder.
In his speech, Marcos ordered a halt to operations of all POGOs, legitimate and otherwise, IGLs, and other offshore gaming licensees immediately, with a complete phase-out scheduled by Dec. 31.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), only seven out of 60 licensed POGOs remain, while the remaining operations are working to meet the deadline.
PAGCOR added that all POGO and IGL licenses will be revoked by December 15./PN
