The president of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has announced that there is no necessity for new legislation to prohibit Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) aside from his recent Executive Order (EO).
According to a report by the Philippine News Agency, while speaking to reporters at an event on Monday, Marcos emphasized that the recently issued EO banning these operations is adequate.
Marcos clarified that his EO signed on November 5th, already encompasses not only POGOs, internet gaming licensees (IGLs) but also illegal offshore gaming operations, as well as any license applications and renewals related to these activities, effectively addressing concerns surrounding these activities.
He reiterated that casinos and integrated resorts operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are not permitted to engage in offshore gaming.
“There is just no way because it’s the nature of the operation that we are banning. It’s not because it’s under PAGCOR or not,” Marcos stated. “As long as it’s POGO or has a similar license, it’s banned.”
The President’s comments come in response to concerns raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who pointed out potential loopholes in the executive order that could allow POGOs to continue operations through PAGCOR-operated casinos or licensed establishments with junket agreements.
