EO on POGO ban expected in two weeks' time — PAOCC exec

The executive order (EO) to implement the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is expected to be released "in two weeks' time," according to Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

"On the executive order, it will be released probably in two weeks' time. I've seen the draft and I think [it will be out] in two weeks' time," Cruz told the Senate committee on ways and means which deliberated on the bills seeking to put into law the POGO ban.

According to Cruz, the definition of terms were already included in the draft EO. However, the provisions on its implementation are still being ironed out.

"I can say, sir, doon lang sa nagkakaproblema as to... paano 'yung magiging implementation, but the definition of terms is already there... 'Yung nakikita ko na lang na pinag-uusapan talaga is the concept of the operation and how it will be disseminated," Cruz said.

(I can say, sir, the manner of implementation is the matter that still needs to be resolved. But the definition of terms is already there... the only things being discussed are the concept of the operation and how it will be disseminated.)

Cruz informed the Senate panel that a technical working group (TWG) will be formed after Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked if the EO will likewise cover the special class business process outsourcing (BPO) and other online games.

"There's an entity now arising but it's also sowing confusion and this is the service providers. I think under the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation) regulation, it's called special class BPOs and from what I understand, they were still doing due diligence, this type of BPOs do not get bets but only provide services to gaming companies outside the Philippines. Are those part of the POGO banning?" the senator asked.

In response, Cruz said, "We will be calling for a TWG and that's to include PAGCOR and other agencies involved just to make sure [na] everything na kailangan doon sa executive order will be touched."

(We will be calling for a TWG and that's to include PAGCOR and other agencies involved just to make sure that everything that is needed executive order will be touched.)

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced the total ban on POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address.

Marcos said POGOs had ventured into illicit areas such as scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder. — VDV, GMA Integrated News