The Philippine Senate has overwhelmingly approved the Anti-POGO Bill (Senate Bill 2868) with a 23-0 vote, officially declaring offshore gaming operations illegal in the country.
The legislation aims to dismantle Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) due to their alleged involvement in human trafficking, financial fraud, and other criminal activities.
The bill also mandates the immediate deportation of foreign nationalsworking in POGO hubs and imposes maximum penalties on government officials found complicit in such operations.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of POGO activities, hailed the bill’s passage, calling it a “one-two power punch against POGO-related crimes.”
With the Senate’s resounding approval, the bill now moves toward final deliberations, expected to shape the country’s future stance on offshore gaming.
