Marcos inks law banning POGOs

They are now illegal in the Philippines.

Courtesy: PCO

Permanently banned in PH

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, which institutionalizes the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 read.

It also said that "the State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights."

Marcos said that banning all POGOs will solve many of the problems the Philippines is encountering.

During his State of the Nation Address this year, he also declared a POGO ban due to crimes, such as human trafficking and torture, associated with POGO hubs.

The Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 on June 11.

Under the law, first-time violators will face imprisonment of 6 to 8 years and a fine between PHP 300,000 and PHP 15 million. For the second offense, imprisonment of 8 years and 1 day to 10 years and a fine between PHP 15 million and PHP 30 million. For the third offense, imprisonment of 10 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine between PHP 30 million and PHP 50 million.

If the offender is a public official or employee, the maximum penalty under the applicable category will be imposed. If the guilty party is/are a foreigner/s, they will be deported immediately after serving their sentence and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines.

What do you guys think?

Source: PCO