A victory for law enforcement and Pinoys, says BI of anti-POGO law

The Bureau of Immigration on Sunday expressed its full support for Republic Act 12312 or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 that institutionalized the nationwide ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators, calling it a victory for law enforcement and Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the measure into law last month, more than a year after he banned POGOs in his State of the Nation Address in July 2024.

In a statement, BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the new law is a firm step toward safeguarding national security and maintaining public order.

“The Bureau of Immigration stands firmly with the President in implementing this historic reform. This is a victory for law enforcement, for good governance, and most importantly, for the Filipino people,” Viado said.

He also expressed the BI's full support for Marcos’ leadership in putting an end to POGO operations.

“This landmark law affirms our collective commitment to protecting our borders from criminal syndicates that exploit offshore gaming to engage in human trafficking, cybercrime, and other forms of organized criminal activity,” Viado said.

He added that the BI has been at the forefront of identifying and deporting foreigners linked to illegal online gaming hubs, many of which have been found to engage in fraud, torture, and human trafficking.

“The Anti-POGO Act sends a strong message that the Philippines will not tolerate any activity that undermines our national security, economic integrity, or the welfare of our people. We will continue to enforce the law with the full force of our mandate,” Viado said.

RA 12312 repealed RA 11590 that previously imposed taxes on offshore gaming licensees and service providers.

After declaring a ban on POGOs, Marcos then formalized this through Executive Order 74 that he issued in November last year.

The President cited the social costs of POGOs such as the links of illegal offshore gaming hubs to crimes like abduction, human trafficking, torture, etc.

Under the new law, violators will face imprisonment of up to 12 years and fines of up to P50 million.

Foreign offenders will be deported after serving their sentence and permanently banned from re-entering the country. — JMA, GMA Integrated News