With just two weeks remaining before the 19th Congress concludes, Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is ramping up efforts to pass legislation that would permanently ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.
According to local media outlet PhilStar, the senator emphasized that the measure already enjoys strong support within the Senate.
While an executive order currently prohibits POGOs, Gatchalian stressed that codifying the ban into law is essential to eliminate enforcement ambiguities. He has been one of the most vocal critics of POGOs in the chamber, consistently highlighting their links to criminal activity, corruption, and regulatory challenges.
Senate inquiries have revealed connections between POGO operations and serious crimes, including money laundering and human trafficking.
Gatchalian first introduced Senate Bill 2868, known as the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024, which was brought to the Senate plenary in December last year. The bill aims to ensure the prohibition remains effective beyond the current administration, providing a permanent legislative framework ceasing any future POGO operations in the Philippines.
