The Philippines Department of Justice has issued a warning to workers still associated with the now-prohibited Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) segment, implying severe consequences for noncompliance for thousands of workers remaining in the country.
ABS-CBN claimed that the country’s Bureau of Immigration intends to deport around 11,000 foreign workers associated with the shuttered POGOs.
These workers are generally persons who failed to comply with the government’s rigorous deadlines for adjusting their visa status or leaving the Philippines.
The list also includes those who lowered their visas but stayed longer than their visitor permits allowed.
Before the deadline of December 31, 2024, officials announced that 22,609 foreign workers associated with offshore gaming enterprises voluntarily left the country. Despite this level of cooperation, thousands of people continue to violate immigration regulations in the Philippines.
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Foreign nationals who refuse to submit or depart freely face penalties such as permanent immigration blacklisting, which effectively prevents them from reentering the country.
The Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, and local law enforcement are anticipated to work together to deport the country’s remaining 11,000 foreign workers.
Authorities have promised to guarantee that the deportations are carried out legally while minimizing disturbances to public order.
Operator non grata
The crackdown follows an order issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2024, which said that POGOs—now known as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)—would be banned in the Philippines by the end of the year.
By November, this direction had been formalized through an executive order that prohibited all offshore internet gaming enterprises, including existing license holders, new applications, renewals, and unlawful activity.
The administration has taken a harsh posture, emphasizing the hazards involved with offshore gaming, such as potential linkages to illicit activity and negative social consequences.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla underlined the government’s commitment to implementing the ban, emphasizing the President’s unequivocal stance: POGOs have no place in the Philippines. He added that these steps are intended to protect the safety and well-being of Filipino residents.
PAGCOR, the gaming regulator, has worked closely with operators to ensure compliance with the ban.
PAGCOR’s chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, announced in mid-December that all remaining legitimate offshore online gambling firms had voluntarily filed letters expressing their intention to cease operations.
This voluntary compliance is consistent with the government’s overall objectives to abolish the offshore gaming business.
The subject of POGOs has been problematic in the Philippines for many years. While supporters claimed that the business generated significant tax income and foreign investment, detractors cited its link to illicit activities such as human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.
Law enforcement agencies also reported an increase in crimes related to POGO operations, escalating public outrage and government scrutiny.
The President’s decisive decision to criminalize offshore online gaming enterprises has received acclaim from a variety of sectors, including advocates for social welfare and law enforcement. However, concerns linger regarding the long-term economic impact of losing cash provided by POGOs.
The administration has responded to these concerns by claiming that the social costs of the business significantly outweigh any financial benefits.
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