Wikipedia

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator

"POGOs" redirects here. For other uses, see Pogo.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), renamed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) in October 2023,[1] are firms operating in the Philippines that offer online gambling services to markets outside the country, with a significant portion catering to the Chinese market. POGOs began operating in the Philippines in 2003.[2]

Building complex in San Rafael, Bulacan, which has a POGO as its tenant

They have been regulated by the Philippine government since 2016, at the start of Rodrigo Duterte's presidency. During this period, the industry flourished and generated significant revenues for the Philippine government.[2] POGOs were banned by President Bongbong Marcos in July 2024, during his third State of the Nation Address.[3]

Background

edit

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs are online gambling firms that operate in the Philippines but cater to customers outside the country. To operate legally, they must be licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). They are obliged to restrict any individual in the Philippines, regardless of citizenship, Filipino citizens regardless of location, and potential patrons in countries and territories where offshore gambling is illegal, from availing their services. Failure to do so risks license revocation.[4]

In 2016, PAGCOR started the processing of license applications for POGOs, in an effort to boost its revenue, after it decided not to renew the license of local online gambling firm PhilWeb.[5]

There are three license categories. Category 1 involves services that have live streaming, with women online gambling dealers. Category 2 and 3 are sub-sectors of business process outsourcing (BPO), which provide back office support.[6]

However, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), an umbrella industry group of BPOs, do not consider POGOs in general as BPOs. IBPAP's members are registered with either the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or the Board of Investments. POGOs get their license to operate from PAGCOR, a fact the group argues differentiate POGOs from BPOs.[7]

Reportedly, legal members of the POGO industry voluntarily started an organization, the Association of Service Providers and POGOs (ASPAP).[8]

In June 2021, the Senate approved a bill imposing additional taxes on POGOs. The bill, which was supported by 17 senators—Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, Bong Revilla, Imee Marcos, Bato dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva, Manny Pacquiao, Cynthia Villar, Tito Sotto, Migz Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Koko Pimentel, Win Gatchalian, Ralph Recto, Grace Poe, Dick Gordon, and Nancy Binay—[9][10] was signed into law by President Duterte in September 2021.[11]

Prevalence

edit
 
Machines used for online gambling operations.

In 2003, POGO firms, mostly Chinese-backed and based in Metro Manila, began operations,[2] and abruptly increased following the start of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.[12] According to PAGCOR, during its peak in 2019, there were almost 300 licensees. By the end of 2023, stricter regulations reduced the number of operating POGOs to about 75.[13][14] These reportedly further decreased to 54 by third quarter of 2024; they consist of 33 IGLs, 11 accredited providers, and ten business process outsourcing firms.[15]

Since August 2019, PAGCOR has banned licenses for new firms.[12]

KMC Savills Inc. projects that POGOs have utilized at least 800,000 square meters (8,600,000 sq ft) of office space.[4] While a significant portion of the Philippine offshore gambling industry cater to the Chinese, some serve the Korean and Vietnamese markets.[16]

In 2019, the industry rented more office space than business process outsourcing, purchasing 386,000 square meters (4,150,000 sq ft) within the first nine months, 34% of total demand. They became the biggest market for new office space in Metro Manila, with 12% of the stock. Annual rents cost $219 million for commercial, $680 million for residential.[17]

Property consultancy firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) reported that POGOs vacated a total of 630,000 square meters (6,800,000 sq ft) of office space from 2020, to the third quarter of 2022. In October 2022, LPC reported that POGOs still occupied 1,000,000 square meters (11,000,000 sq ft) of office space. Their complete exit would result in an estimated ₱18.9 billion in lost annual office rentals.[18]

Also, at the same time, ASPAP reported that their members—128 offices in Metro Manila, Clark and Cavite—occupy the total office space of 400,000 square meters (4,300,000 sq ft).[8]

Impact

edit

Economy

edit
 
Republic Act No. 11590 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 22, 2021, imposed additional taxes on POGOs.

Since 2015, PAGCOR has been collecting license fees from POGOs, which represent 2% of the Philippine's gross gaming revenue.[19] Revenues from POGOs composed less than 5–6% of the PAGCOR's total income.[13] In addition to license fees, since 2017, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collects a 5% franchise tax on local providers, as well as income taxes on workers. Some firms were closed due to an alleged failure to pay.[20] Additional taxes on POGOs were imposed upon issuance of Republic Act No. 11590 (An Act Taxing POGOs) by President Rodrigo Duterte in September 2021.[21]

Department of Finance (DoF) data shows that combined taxes collected from POGOs from 2017 to October 2022 reached ₱53.8 billion: ₱30 billion by PAGCOR, while ₱23.8 billion by the BIR, since 2018.[18]

In 2019, total collected taxes reached ₱14.44 billion.[18] POGO generated ₱7 billion in license fees, according to PAGCOR.[13] National Economic and Development Authority also reported that, at the same year, POGOs contributed ₱104.5 billion—0.67% of the Philippine's gross domestic product.[18]

However, revenue from POGOs declined thereafter,[18] especially due to COVID-19 pandemic.[14] By 2023, with decrease of the number of operators, POGO generated ₱5.2 billion in license fees.[13]

In mid-July 2024, DoF reported that the annual net cost of POGO operations is around ₱99.52 billion;[22][23] while the estimated total economic benefits of the industry reach ₱166.49 billion[23]—an estimated ₱60.68 billion directly.[22] However, it noted a significantly high economic cost, at an estimated ₱265.74 billion annually, which include the effects of negative reputational risks, impacting foreign direct investments.[23]

Employment

edit

In October 2019, an estimated 470,000 people were employed in the POGO industry, with total annual payroll at $9 billion.[17] These might included more than a hundred thousand Chinese workers.[24] The government had various reports on the number of Chinese working in the Philippines. In early December 2019, figures from the BIR, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and PAGCOR suggested that the number ranged from at least 44 to 93 thousand.[25]

In May 2019, there were 138,000 foreigners employed by POGOs, with 83,760 of them holders of special work permits, allowing them to stay in the country for six months. Only 17 percent of those employed in POGOs are Filipino nationals.[26] Employment decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.[27]

Reports, mainly by the BIR, showed that there had been a gradual increase of employment rate of Filipinos in the POGO industry—from 14.19% in 2019, reaching more than half in 2021.[28]

Number of workers in licensed POGOs
Date Filipinos % Foreigners % Total Source(s)
Mar. 2020 30,521 25.23% 90,455
Chinese: 69,613
Vietnamese: 3,000±
Indonesians: 2,400±
The rest were from 46 other countries. 		74.77% 120,976 PAGCOR[29]
2020 13,991 33.01% 28,394 66.99% 42,385 BIR[28]
2021 15,745 53.22% 14,838 50.16% 29,583 BIR[28]
Oct. 2022 16,736 48.87% 17,509 51.13% 34,245 BIR[28]
19,671 47% 22,184
Chinese: 7,534 		53% 41,855 PAGCOR[18]
23,118
Direct: 11,776
Indirect: 11,342 		n/a n/a n/a ASPAP[18]
2023 25,064 51.17% 22,915 46.79% 48,979 [22]

Prior to the impending closure of POGOs, there are a total of 48,883 workers—58.2% (or 28,462) are locals—by third quarter of 2024, according to PAGCOR.[30] Meanwhile, DOLE said 26,996 Filipinos are employed by 54 companies, mostly in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon; aside from 2,549 indirect workers.[15]

Tourism

edit

In 2019, tourism arrivals from China ranked second, at 1.74 million tourists, behind first placed tourist source nation, South Korea. Due to the travel ban imposed by China during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021, Chinese visitors to the Philippines decreased to 6,615. At that time, China was enforcing a crackdown on gambling operations on its citizens and launched appeals to the Philippine government to stop POGOs.[18]

Issues and controversies

edit

The POGO industry has been criticized for being a symbol of state-backed Chinese investments in the Philippines. It was perceived that POGOs were promoted by the government at the expense of other industries.[2]

Ownership and registration

edit

A 2019 Nikkei Asian Review report states that POGO owners are mostly anonymous. At that time, PAGCOR recorded 60 POGOs set up in the Philippines since 2016. Ten were registered in the Philippines, 43 in the British Virgin Islands, and the rest in six other countries, mostly where the identities of owners are kept secret.[17]

Only 15 were registered with the BIR, 6 of them pay taxes. 16 were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.[17]

In late 2019, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the government shut down nearly 200 illegally-operated POGOs that year. District representative Joey Salceda later claimed there were still at least 100.[25]

At the time an estimated 70,000 Chinese workers in Metro Manila-based POGOs were reported in 2020, there were estimated to be at least 200 POGOs having no permit. Corruption in the processing of work permits was raised.[2]

Meanwhile, illegal hubs in Central Luzon were reportedly dismantled. About 2,000 foreigners were later deported.[31]

Effect in Philippines–China relations

edit
Further information: China-Philippines relations

In 2019, POGO caused a diplomatic clash between the Philippines and China.[17] China expressed its displeasure[17] over its citizens' involvement, who comprise the majority of workers and players,[2][12] as all forms of gambling is illegal in China[24] while online casinos can only be played by those outside the Philippines.[17] China, among others, warned that POGOs can worsen criminality, specifically money laundering.[24] The Chinese government officially rejected POGOs,[2] branding them "most dangerous tumor in modern society", disliked by all people worldwide.[17]

In August 2019, following the Philippine government's move to suspend new POGO applications while addressing all concerns,[24][32] the Chinese government urged the Philippines to halt local online gambling,[32] requesting the punishment of POGOs illegally employing and mistreating their citizens, and to protect the victims.[12][25] Chinese President Xi Jinping personally repeated the plea, addressing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, during their bilateral meeting in Beijing on August 29.[32]

In September 2019, at a press briefing at Malacañang, Duterte declined the request, saying that POGO were beneficial for the Philippine's economy,[24] and that many people would lose jobs if POGOs were banned.[32]

Employment and residency of foreigners

edit

Some locals criticized the influx of Chinese and other foreigners, who were believed to be taking jobs,[19] and limiting the hiring of Filipinos,[2] as evident after raids by immigration authorities on POGO offices. PAGCOR argued for a need for large numbers of native Mandarin speakers to serve mostly Chinese players.[19] In 2020, the government denied that it is gave preferential treatment to the Chinese for the industry.[2]

In 2019, there were reports that residents in Manila were forced to leave their apartment residences, in favor of Chinese tenants.[12] In 2020, there were reports of medical facilities catering exclusively to POGO workers during the pandemic.[2]

Security issues

edit
See also: Triad (organized crime)

There were security issues reportedly linked to POGOs, including related criminal activities.[14][31] Authorities in the Philippines faced issues in dealing with these: POGOs illegally operating overnight, a rise in undocumented workers from China, and a weak response from government agencies. This was contributed further by the "visa upon arrival" program by the tourism department, which made it easier for the Chinese nationals to enter the Philippines, who ended up working for POGOs.[25]

In 2019, watchdog Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order said that the Philippines was becoming a haven for POGO-related crimes. The watchdog said that illegal workers were packed into condominiums, each unit having up to 40 people, in two or three shifts. Authorities arrested several illegal Chinese workers from raided POGOs, which were eventually deported.[25]

From January 2017 to June 2023, the Philippine National Police recorded a total of 4,355 victims of crimes, with 4,039 in the first half of 2023 alone,[33] and 903 perpetrators.[34] The majority of all individuals involved were Chinese nationals.[35] From November 2019 to March 2023, the National Bureau of Investigation revealed that there were 113 cases, with 65 of them involving human trafficking.[31]

POGO-related crimes
Year Number Trial status
2019 9 At least 35 cases have reached court; only one case led to a conviction.
2020 11
2021 42
2022 40
Total 102
Note: No any incidents were recorded in 2017 and 2018.
Source: Philippine National Police[36]

Incidents reported to the police were kidnap-for-ransom, kidnapping and illegal detention.[36][37] From 2017 until late 2019, the PNP Anti-kidnapping Group (AKG) reported 67 kidnappings. It was reported that some employees leaving companies were the victims, and policemen were helping the perpetrators, causing rescued victims to refuse cooperation with authorities.[25]

Those POGO facilities had been involved in online scams and human trafficking.[34] In 2023, raids on three separate hubs, in Pampanga, Las Piñas and Pasay, rescued almost five thousand victims.[34][38] In Pasay, a torture den was discovered,[38][39] which now serves as the temporary detention facility for future rescued foreigners.[40] At another facility in the city allegedly involved in scams, the police confiscated 28,000 registered SIM cards.[34]

Chinese nationals have been arrested for illegal possession of firearms,[34] for petty crimes,[12] and were reportedly involved in bribery.[12] Prostitution dens were discovered.[12][2][41] It was revealed that some gambling syndicates employ Filipino policemen as protectors, as well as paying to corrupt immigration authorities and police.[12]

These prompted PAGCOR to enforce strict regulation. In the last quarter of 2023, these firms were renamed as Internet Gaming Licensees with new rules and regulations for the industry being implemented, as PAGCOR stated that POGO "become too negative."[13]

In October 2023, amid reports of involvement of Chinese citizens in fraudulent activities, China, through a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, called on the Philippines to take strong measures in preventing POGO-related crimes.[42]

Following police raids in POGO hubs in Central Luzon in the first half of 2024, the leadership of PNP confirmed the "unreported killings" there.[43] Following President Bongbong Marcos' POGO ban in July, both the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported a significant decrease of text scams. Data from PNP–ACG showed that from twenty in May, there were only two in July.[44]

Finance

edit

POGO related tax evasion and a minimal contribution to the national economy have been raised.[2]

Data from the Anti-Money Laundering Council showed ₱14 billion (26%) of the ₱54 billion worth of transactions from 2017 to 2019 were deemed suspicious. DoF, saying that POGO-related crimes may pose a risk to business and institutions, estimated that the Philippines may risk losing ₱16.7 billion–₱26.2 billion in foreign direct investments.[18]

PAGCOR reportedly failed to collect ₱2.2 billion in unpaid dues from shuttered POGO firms. To avoid further losses to be incurred by the government, in 2023, PAGCOR announced its plan to privatize 45 casinos by the third quarter of 2025, with a revenue target at between ₱60 billion and ₱80 billion.[33]

Other issues

edit

The security threat posed by POGOs has been raised.[2]

In 2020, environmentalists condemned the conversion of a mangrove area into a "POGO island" cluster in Cavite.[2]

Even during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PAGCOR actively pushed for the resumption of POGO operations in Metro Manila. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines later rejected the claim that POGOs, performing an "essential service", were part of their sector.[2]

In August 2024, Congress investigated Harry Roque's alleged links as a lawyer for a POGO firm in Pampanga. He was cited for contempt and placed under 24-hour detention for lying before the Philippine House Committee on Public Order and Safety.[45] Controversial[46] police officer Jovie Espenido also testified before the House Committee accusing Senator Bong Go of sourcing intelligence funds from POGOs for Rodrigo Duterte's drug war.[47]

Notable raids

edit

2023–2024 Bamban raids

edit
 
The Baofu Land compound in Bamban
 
A notice of closure at Baofu Land's POGO hub in Bamban.

On February 1, 2023, authorities raided a POGO firm Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc., allegedly engaged in a cryptocurrency investment scam, in Bamban, Tarlac,[48][49] through a warrant issued by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court (RTC).[49] Up to 851 workers—351 foreigners and 500 Filipinos—were held. Three other officers of the company were at large.[48] On July 7, PAGCOR ordered the company to stop all gaming activities following the raid.[50]

On March 13, 2024, authorities raided the same compound, serving two search warrants issued by the Malolos, Bulacan RTC against Zun Yuan Technology Inc., and rescuing more than 600 workers.[a] Various firearms and alleged scamming paraphernalia were seized.[54]

Nine of the rescued Filipinos were considered as witnesses, as there were allegations of physical abuse and torture,[55] as well as illegal activities in the POGO hub, including scams.[56] The foreigners were reportedly staying illegally in the country.[40] Eight of them were charged with human trafficking and serious illegal detention at the Capas RTC.[57]

Aside from offices and dormitories in the POGO compound,[58] further search in the 7.9-hectare (20-acre) complex,[59] which is owned by Baofu Land Development Inc.[59] and located beside the municipal hall,[58] revealed 36 structures[57][55] including nine villas[57] a swimming pool,[58][55] underground tunnels connecting the three villas,[55] and 38[57] to 51[51] vehicles, and nine carts and heavy equipment.[51] Almost ₱8-million in cash, cryptocurrency-related materials and documents, among other items, were found in 27 vaults.[57] In April, the Palace directed the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze and preserve the Zun Yuan compound and its other assets.[51]

In March 2024, Senator Win Gatchalian revealed municipal mayor Alice Guo's alleged links with the firm.[55] Guo, who was elected in 2022,[59] had applied for the license of Hongsheng.[55] In late 2020, the municipal council approved its establishment and operation.[49] In 2022, Hongsheng had its license to operate canceled by the PAGCOR.[49] Following the 2023 raid, the POGO hub was renamed Zun Yuan.[55]

In May, during a Senate inquiry, senators said that the POGO compound housed "mercenaries" allegedly involved in cybercrimes and surveillance activities, citing intelligence reports.[59] Meanwhile, Guo contradicted allegations against her, stating that she was the former landowner of the property, and her vehicle, found within the compound, was sold in 2020.[60] Guo admitted that being one of the incorporators of Baofu, she later sold her shares upon entering politics.[61] As Guo refused to participate further in the Senate investigation, the latter issued an arrest order in July.[50] At that month, Guo allegedly fled the country; and was arrested on September 3 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia.[62]

Also in May, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed a complaint before the ombudsman against Guo, vice mayor Leonardo Asuncion, nine former and incumbent municipal councilors, and two other officials, in relation to her issuance of business permit to the POGO firm. The ombudsman later cited the investigation by the DILG which revealed that: Guo still having business interests in Baofu even after assuming her mayoral post; and that the POGO hub still having business permit after the first raid, as well despite their non-compliance with the Fire Code of the Philippines.[50]

On May 31, Ombudsman Samuel Martires placed Guo under 6-month preventive suspension. In an August 12 decision, Martires ordered the dismissal of Guo for grave misconduct, and her perpetual disqualification from public office; while the rest were convicted of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. DILG was ordered to look into the possibility of filing charges against Guo's predecessor Jose Antonio Feliciano.[50]

On August 30, charges of 87 counts of money laundering were filed by law enforcement agencies, including AMLC, against Guo and 35 others before the Department of Justice[62][63] for alleged laundering of over ₱100 million pesos in proceeds from criminal activities[62] occurred in the raided POGO hubs in Central Luzon.[63]

On the other hand, the controversy revealed concerns surrounding Guo's nationality, resulting to a quo warranto petition filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court seeking nullification of her election victory, as well as charges of "material representation" in her candidacy, filed before the Commission on Elections.[63]

2024 Porac raid

edit

On June 4, 2024, joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the PAOCC raided a POGO firm, the Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc.'s 5.8-hectare (14-acre) complex, with 46 buildings, and other corporations at Grand Palazzo Royale complex at Porac, near its border with Angeles City.[64] The same day, Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a search warrant for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The judge, however, issued a 3-page Order denying the Application, grounded on Rule No. 126 of the Revised Rules of Court, on June 5.[65] On June 7, RTC, San Fernando, Pampanga issued another Warrant. The Supreme Court is investigating the allegations regarding the withdrawal of the first warrant.

Initially, 190 individuals were arrested; 158 Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian citizens including 29 Filipinos, were rescued during the service of the warrant. Senator Risa Hontiveros suspects that someone tipped the POGO operators of the law enforcement operation. A criminal investigation was launched on the alleged leak resulting into the "compromised" raid. A PAOCC official noted that "157 foreigners suspected to be POGO workers were caught leaving" before the operatives' "wellness check.[66]

Only 140 suspects from 1,000 foreign nationals in the POGO buildings were found before the PAOCC team reached the site. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Chinese syndicates had intelligence gathering, reaching into the judicial department. Lucky South 99 hired convicted pork barrel, Dennis Cunanan, in its operations.[67] Porac Mayor Jing Capil denied allegations of his participation explicitly stating that no mayor's permit was issued to Lucky South for 2024.[68] In September 2022, the POGO firm was previously raided and closed due to unlawful activities, but it continued operations thereafter without permit.[69]

2024 Lapu-Lapu raid

edit

On August 31, 2024, authorities, armed with a mission order from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), conducted simultaneous raids in Lapu-Lapu City, after three Indonesians escaped and inform the Indonesian embassy.[70]

That on the 808 SY Residence was unsuccessful.[70] Meanwhile, in the Tourist Garden Hotel resort which allegedly hosting an illegal POGO hub,[71] several electronic devices used in love and financial scams,[71] as well as cash being part of proceeds from the operation, were confiscated.[70] At least 169 foreign nationals—93 Chinese, 69 Indonesians, six Myanmarese, and a Malaysian[70][72]—which also including a minor, and a Filipino were rescued[70] and later brought to PAOCC office in Manila.[70][72] It was believed that employees of defunct POGO hubs in Bamban and Porac relocated there.[71]

In September, NBI–Central Visayas filed the complaints against sixteen of the foreigners—13 Chinese, including alleged POGO operator Zhao Shao;[72] two Indonesians; and a Myanmar national[70][72]—and a Filipino before the DOJ for qualified human trafficking,[72] a violation of RA No. 9208.[70] A Filipino was also charged for being an accessory for taking the passports of 51 Indonesians.[70][72] Meanwhile, the BI filed a separate complaint of violation of immigration laws against all foreigners. Later, a hotel worker was arrested for trying to smuggle out ₱8 million in cash.[70]

The NBI has been conducting an investigation into possible money laundering.[70][72] The resort, which has twelve structures, and several vehicles are under preservation by AMLC.[70]

The NBI established that the accused, aside from illegal detention, were involved in love scams and cryptocurrency frauds. According to them, more than 40 Indonesians were initially forced by the Chinese to work at a POGO hub in Clark, Angeles City. NBI later found out that they moved to the hotel which was first raided by the police on June 4. With 12 Chinese bosses, workers reportedly transferred their activities to Cebu and to Mandaue cities. Following the rescue of two Indonesians by the police in July from their Chinese boss and his Filipina partner, the operation was immediately transferred separately in Lapu-Lapu City and another place in Mandaue; and finally to Tourist Garden Hotel.[70]

Legality

edit

Three petitions were filed by the Union for National Development and Good Governance Philippines, Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines, Inc., and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista, challenging the legality of the rules for POGOs,[73] which had been approved by the PAGCOR[74] in 2016.[73][75]

The Supreme Court en banc unanimously dismissed the consolidated petitions, citing failure to observe the hierarchy of courts[73] and to meet the requirements for judicial review.[74] The ruling, promulgated on April 25, 2023, was made public in March 2024.[74][75]

Bans

edit

In 2023, President Marcos said that to outlaw all operations of POGOs, whose surrounding issues are caused by illegal operators, he needed a "good reason".[76] That year, the Senate committee on ways and means filed a report, which proposed the permanent ban of POGOs nationwide to prevent crimes from these companies. Committee chairperson Senator Gatchalian is among the ten signatories.[77][78]

In 2024, four Senate bills seeking bans were filed. In June, Gatchalian filed a bill aiming to repeal the taxability of POGOs, established under Republic Act No. 11590.[79] Meanwhile, senators Joel Villanueva and Alan Peter Cayetano filed bills for the prohibition of all forms of online gambling.[80] At least three House bills were also filed, in response to POGO-related crimes, and the government's apparent failure to address it. In February, the games and amusements committee approved two measures authored by district representatives Bienvenido Abante and Rufus Rodriguez.[76] Another was filed by Makabayan bloc, led by representative France Castro, in June,[81] paralleling the one in the Senate filed by Gatchalian.[79]

Meanwhile, few local government units have prohibited POGO operation. At least two cities in Metro Manila have enforced a ban, along with other forms of online gambling—Pasig in December 2022;[82] and Valenzuela in mid-2023, yet temporarily for five years.[83][84] Bulacan,[85] Iloilo City,[86] and Batangas City,[87] followed suit since mid-2024.

On July 22, 2024, President Marcos announced the nationwide ban of POGOs in his State of the Nation Address.[88] An executive order for the guidelines is set to be issued by the Malacañang in September;[30] as the closure is scheduled on December 31.[89] Some POGO companies expressed intent for the gradual closure of operations; Island Cove in Cavite committed to do so on December 15.[30]

In July, the BI gave foreign POGO workers at least 60 days to leave the country. BI later announced the cancellation of the 9G visas (work visa issued to foreign workers in the Philippines) of foreign POGO and IGL employees by November 2. The DOLE cancelled alien employment permits of some workers; while providing jobs for the affected Filipinos.[30]

edit
  • No More Bets, a 2023 Chinese crime thriller film about Chinese people trafficked into a Southeast Asian scam center

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Total number varies: 658,[40] 870,[51] or 875[52]

References

edit
  1. ^ Ronda, Rainier Allan (October 16, 2023). "Name change: No more POGO, just IGL". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Palatino, Mong (June 1, 2020). "China's Clandestine Gamble in the Philippines". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  3. ^ UNTV News and Rescue (July 21, 2024). SONA 2024: State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | July 22, 2024. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2024 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ a b Ichimura, Anri (July 19, 2019). "Are We Playing Our Cards Right? Breaking Down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators". Esquire. Archived from the original on September 18, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  5. ^ "PAGCOR now processing offshore gaming licenses". GMA News. September 14, 2016. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  6. ^ Gonzales, Iris (November 7, 2017). "Is POGO good for the country?". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  7. ^ "POGOs are not BPO firms, industry group says". CNN Philippines. May 2, 2020. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Lalu, Gabriel (October 19, 2022). "Pogos keep big Chinese staff as most of clients talk Mandarin — DOLE". Inquirer.net. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  9. ^ https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/789975/senate-approves-bill-imposing-5-tax-on-pogo-gross-revenues/story/%3famp
  10. ^ https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/bong-go-previously-supported-pogos-now-against-operations/
  11. ^ Gita-Carlos, Ruth Abbey (September 23, 2021). "Duterte signs law taxing POGOs". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Robles, Alan (November 25, 2019). "Duterte played China over online gambling. The house won". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on November 25, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d e Andrade, Jeannette (February 13, 2024). "House panel OKs 2 measures on Pogo ban". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Barro, Dexter II (February 12, 2024). "House panel OKs measures banning POGO in PH". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Hufana, Chloe Mari (September 12, 2024). "Nearly 27,000 to be affected by POGO ban, says DoLE". BusinessWorld. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  16. ^ Gonzales, Iris (August 29, 2019). "Inside a Philippine offshore gaming company". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Venzon, Cliff (October 15, 2019). "Shadowy operators power Duterte's offshore gaming boom". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i Rivas, Ralf (October 19, 2022). "IN NUMBERS: Risks, benefits of POGO operations". Rappler. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Venzon, Cliff (July 29, 2019). "Duterte hits the jackpot as China fuels online gambling boom". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  20. ^ Cigaral, Ian Nicolas (July 8, 2021). "Duterte, in about-face, wants POGOs back to augment pandemic war chest". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  21. ^ Gita–Carlos, Ruth Abbey (September 23, 2021). "Duterte signs law taxing POGOs". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Simeon, Louise Maureen (July 22, 2024). "Transitory mechanism needed for POGO workers if ban proceeds". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c Gonzales, Anna Leah (July 23, 2024). "Recto: Gov't to help Filipino POGO workers find new jobs". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  24. ^ a b c d e Romero, Alexis (September 5, 2019). "Duterte won't abolish POGO: We need it". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c d e f Robles, Alan (December 27, 2019). "A Chinese crime wave hits Duterte's Philippines as Pogos grow unchecked". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  26. ^ Yee, Jovic (May 2, 2019). "Foreigners can get work permits only in 15 job categories". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  27. ^ "Tax take down as POGO workers flee COVID-19". September 21, 2020. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  28. ^ a b c d Torregoza, Hannah (October 6, 2022). "Number of Filipino workers in POGOs rising, BIR tells Senate". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Lucas, Daxim (March 12, 2020). "1/4 of registered POGO workers are Filipino, says Pagcor". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  30. ^ a b c d Locus, Sundy (September 4, 2024). "Malacañang to issue EO on POGO ban —PAGCOR". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  31. ^ a b c Panti, Llanesca (February 12, 2024). "House committee approves bill banning POGO in PH". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d Lopez, Virgil (September 4, 2019). "Duterte: PHL needs POGOs". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  33. ^ a b Ordoñez, John Victor (October 4, 2023). "POGO victims hit 4,039 — PNP". BusinessWorld. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  34. ^ a b c d e "Gatchalian warned of POGO-related crime surge". Philippine News Agency. August 9, 2023. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  35. ^ Romero, Paolo (February 1, 2023). "Over 300 victims in 102 POGO-related crimes". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Chi, Cristina (January 31, 2023). "PNP recorded four times more POGO-related crimes in 2022 than 2019". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  37. ^ Caliwan, Christopher Lloyd (January 12, 2021). "POGO-linked kidnap cases rise amid pandemic". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Torres-Tupas, Tetch (November 6, 2023). "DOJ chief cites reported involvement of law enforcers in Pogo-linked crimes". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  39. ^ Cabalza, Dexter (November 4, 2023). "Pasay police chief, 26 other cops sacked over raided Pogo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Manabat, Joann (March 16, 2024). "8 foreigners, 1 Filipino face criminal charges after Tarlac POGO raid". Rappler. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  41. ^ Patinio, Ferdinand (February 22, 2024). "BI deports 43 Chinese nabbed in Pasay POGO raid". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  42. ^ Pedrajas, Joseph (October 11, 2023). "China prods PH to crack down on POGO-related crimes". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  43. ^ Mangosing, Frances; Malig, Jun (June 25, 2024). "PNP confirms killings in raided Pogo hubs". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  44. ^ Rita, Joviland (August 9, 2024). "Less text scams after POGO ban, PNP says". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  45. ^ Mangaluz, Jean (August 23, 2024). "Roque slams House detention as 'abuse of power, harassment'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  46. ^ "Controversial 'drug war' cop Espenido on Duterte's narcolist". ABS-CBN News. February 12, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  47. ^ Ismael, Javier Joe (August 29, 2024). "Espenido tags Bato in drug war". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  48. ^ a b Tupas, Emmanuel (February 3, 2023). "851 arrested in raid on POGO firm in Tarlac". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  49. ^ a b c d Malig, Jun (February 2, 2023). "CIDG raids Pogo firm in Tarlac; rounds up 850 foreign, Filipino employees". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  50. ^ a b c d Marcelo, Elizabeth (August 14, 2024). "Ombudsman orders dismissal of Guo". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  51. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Malig, Jun (April 9, 2024). "Malacañang freezes assets of raided Pogo firm in Tarlac". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  52. ^ a b c d e f g h Torres, Sherrie Ann (March 26, 2024). "Gatchalian suspects Tarlac town mayor has links to raided POGO". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  53. ^ Caliwan, Christopher Lloyd (March 15, 2024). "373 Filipino workers released after rescue from Tarlac POGO". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on May 11, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  54. ^ Caliwan, Christopher Lloyd (March 13, 2024). "875 workers rescued in Tarlac POGO raid". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  55. ^ a b c d e f g Manabat, Joann (March 26, 2024). "Bamban mayor linked to raided POGO in Tarlac". Rappler. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  56. ^ Tupas, Emmanuel (March 16, 2024). "Tarlac POGO hub raid: Raps filed vs 8 Chinese". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  57. ^ a b c d e Manabat, Joann (April 12, 2024). "P2-M more in cold cash, cryptocurrency materials found in Tarlac POGO". Rappler. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  58. ^ a b c "Tunnels, villas and luxury cars found inside alleged Tarlac POGO scam hub". GMA Integrated News. March 18, 2024. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  59. ^ a b c d Ramos, Marlon (May 8, 2024). "Senators probe Tarlac Pogo for 'spy ops'; mayor grilled". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 11, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  60. ^ Abarca, Charie (May 7, 2024). "Bamban mayor denies ties to raided Pogo firm in Tarlac". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on May 19, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  61. ^ Ramos, Marlon (May 9, 2024). "Hontiveros won't let go of Bamban mayor over ties to Pogo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  62. ^ a b c "Philippine fugitive mayor Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia, officials say". The Guardian. September 4, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  63. ^ a b c Untalan, Sherylin; Casucian, Jiselle (July 13, 2024). "TIMELINE: The plots and twists of the 'Alice Guo' probe". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  64. ^ Argosino, Argosino (June 13, 2024). "Suspected Chinese military medal, more gear found in central Philippine offshore gaming hub". Asia News Network. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  65. ^ Argosino, Argosino (June 13, 2024). "Suspected Chinese military medal, more gear found in central Philippine offshore gaming hub". Asia News Network. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  66. ^ Buan, Lian (June 12, 2024). "A shady POGO rises fast, law enforcers scramble to pin it down". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  67. ^ Buan, Lian (June 12, 2024). "A shady POGO rises fast, law enforcers scramble to pin it down". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  68. ^ Malig, Jun (June 11, 2024). "Porac mayor says he's no Pogo 'protector'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  69. ^ "Probe on source of POGO raid 'leak' underway". The Philippine Star. June 13, 2024. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  70. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Palaubsanon, Mitchelle; Villa, Jonnavie (September 5, 2024). "POGO hotel worker tries to smuggle cash: Arrested with P8 million". The Freeman. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  71. ^ a b c Carvajal, Nancy (September 1, 2024). "Tuloy Ang Ligaya! Workers From Shuttered Tarlac, Pampanga POGOs Relocate To Cebu". Politiko. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  72. ^ a b c d e f g Rondina, Lou-Anne Mae (September 4, 2024). "169 foreigners in Lapu-Lapu City POGO hub flown to Manila". GMA Regional TV. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  73. ^ a b c Torres–Tupas, Tetch (March 6, 2024). "SC dismisses petition challenging legality of Pogo rules". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  74. ^ a b c Galvez, Daphne (March 7, 2024). "SC junks petition challenging legality of POGOs". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  75. ^ a b G.R. No. 228234, 228315, 230080 (April 25, 2023), "Consolidated petitions vs. PAGCOR, Andrea D. Domingo, et al", The Lawphil Project (Decision), Arellano Law Foundation, retrieved September 5, 2024
  76. ^ a b Chi, Cristina (February 12, 2024). "House panel OKs bill banning all POGO operations". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  77. ^ Abarca, Charie (September 20, 2023). "Senate panel recommends Pogo ban". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  78. ^ Abarca, Charie (September 20, 2023). "Senators explain vote on Pogo ban". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  79. ^ a b "House bill bans all POGO hubs". Philstar.com. June 11, 2024. Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  80. ^ Bacelonia, Wilnard (September 12, 2024). "Senate commits to fast-track bill supporting PBBM's ban on POGOs". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  81. ^ Pabico Lalu, Gabriel (June 11, 2024). "House bill filed to ban Pogos, revoke licenses". Inquirer.net. Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  82. ^ Citations:
  83. ^ Rita, Joviland (July 4, 2023). "Valenzuela City bans POGO operations". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  84. ^ Cruz, James Patrick (July 4, 2023). "Valenzuela City bans POGOs, gambling activities". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  85. ^ Reyes–Estrope, Carmela (July 6, 2024). "No place for Pogos in Bulacan —LGU". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  86. ^ Lena, Perla (July 17, 2024). "Iloilo City Council bans POGO, local gaming agents". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  87. ^ Abante, Denise (June 27, 2024). "Batangas City Council approves POGO ban resolution". GMA Regional TV. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  88. ^ Mangaluz, Jean (July 22, 2024). "'Effective today': Marcos declares POGO ban in SONA". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  89. ^ "'Leave or be Deported': Gov't. agencies meet to discuss status of POGO workers amid impending shutdown". GMA Integrated News. September 18, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Philippine_Offshore_Gaming_Operator&oldid=1254276023"