Philippine authorities will be able to pursue the forfeiture of buildings, gaming equipment and proceeds linked to prohibited offshore gaming without waiting for related criminal cases to conclude.
The Supreme Court approved the new civil forfeiture rules under Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported on Monday. The rules will take effect 15 days after their publication on August 9th.
The measure strengthens the enforcement framework supporting the Philippines’ nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ban in July 2024 and ordered licensed operators to close by the end of that year. The prohibition was formalized through the Anti-POGO Act, signed in October 2025.
Under the law, properties used directly or indirectly for prohibited POGO activities may be forfeited to the government. These include buildings, facilities, materials, gaming equipment, related paraphernalia and proceeds from illegal operations.
Unlike criminal prosecution, civil forfeiture focuses on whether the property is connected to unlawful activity. Proceedings can therefore continue regardless of the status of any related criminal case.
Law enforcement authorities and other government agencies may file forfeiture petitions through the Office of the Solicitor General before the appropriate Regional Trial Court.
A court must determine within 24 hours whether probable cause exists. If it does, the court may order measures to prevent the assets from being transferred, concealed, disposed of or dissipated while the case is pending.
If no probable cause is found, the petition must be dismissed. Respondents may seek the release of previously seized property once the dismissal becomes final.
The rules also allow part of the assets to be released before judgment when required to support government operations or protect victims.
Seized gaming equipment generally cannot be destroyed before a final forfeiture judgment. Early destruction may be approved in urgent public-safety cases, provided that a hearing is held and forensic evidence is preserved.
