PAOCC: EO on POGO ban out this week

An executive order (EO) outlining the guidelines for the banning of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operations in the country may be issued this week, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Wednesday.

"Palabas na ang EO (The EO is close to being issued). I think within the week," PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz told Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

"It's more of magiging policy, how we will approach, what agencies are involved. Para alam ng bawat isa kung ano ang magiging trabaho nila and after ng EO, maglalabas sila ng marching orders para sa specific agencies," Cruz said.

(It's more of a set of policies—how we will approach the ban and what agencies are involved. The EO will also set the responsibilities of the agencies and after its issuance, the marching orders will be issued.)

In September, Cruz told a Senate panel that Malacañang was set to release an EO on the ban of POGO operations "in two weeks time."

"After the deadline, dapat may massive update. Para totally 'yung mga naiwan, 'yung ayaw talaga, automatic huhulihin na lang at puwede na ipasara ng local government units (LGUs). 'Pag hindi nakialam, probably the national government will take action," said Cruz.

(There should be a massive update after the deadline so that the POGO hubs that refuse to shut down operations will be arrested. LGUs may also foreclose them.)

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), banned all POGOs in the country effective July 22, 2024 after raids against illegal POGOs revealed equipment used for torture, love scams, and other crimes.

Marcos instructed the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to ensure that all POGO operations cease by the end of the year. — VDV, GMA Integrated News