Remulla: PH Pogo-free by 2025, gov’t to target ‘guerilla operations’
MANILA, Philippines — As the government continues to work on the total ban of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) or Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) by the end of 2024, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that authorities will go after “guerilla operations” or those non-compliant Pogo operators come 2025.
In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Remulla said that all Pogo licenses would automatically be canceled on December 15.
When asked how confident the government was about eradicating Pogos in the country by 2025, Remulla said, “All licenses are canceled [on December 15] so Pogo-free tayo (we will be Pogo-free). Guerilla operations will flourish, but we will go after them.”
Meanwhile, Remulla said that there are still about 100 “rogue Pogos” secretly operating in residential houses, hotels, and even resorts that local authorities are still pursuing.
READ: No place for Pogos in Bulacan – LGU
These rogue Pogos are composed of former Pogo employees whose companies have already shut down.
Article continues after this advertisementPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr., last November 11, dismissed the supposed loopholes in the executive order he recently signed banning Pogos in the country, ensuring that they all cease operations by December 31.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Pogo phaseout in full swing; only 17 remain
“It’s the nature of the operation we are banning; it’s not because it is under Pagcor or not,” Marcos said on the sidelines of Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024.
This came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros voiced concern that Executive Order No. 74, which banned Pogo, contained loopholes that may allow their continued operations inside casinos and freeports.
