Lawmakers on Thursday said the enactment of the law banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) is a decisive victory for morality, justice, and national integrity.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. described President Marcos’ signing of Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-Pogo Act of 2025, as ‘a blow against avarice and vice-one that will resonate across our nation as a reaffirmation of moral governance and respect for the rule of law.’
Marcos on October 23 signed Republic Act 12312, which bans all offshore gaming operations and related service providers in the Philippines.
Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure and a longtime anti-gambling advocate, said the law is a concrete step toward restoring morality, order, and safety in the country after years of crimes and corruption linked to Pogo operations.
‘For years, we have been warning about the dangers of Pogos-not only because they violate our values, but because they have become breeding grounds for crime, corruption, and exploitation.’
He recalled that even when Pogos were defended as revenue generators, ‘no amount of taxes can justify a trade that results in the misery of our countrymen.’
‘Pogos have tainted our reputation abroad, turned parts of our cities into crime zones, and corrupted public officials. The supposed benefits never outweighed Pogos’ moral and social costs,’ he stressed.
Abante vowed to monitor the implementation of the ban to ensure that all Pogo operations are fully shut down and that no illegal online gambling operations emerge under a different name.
The Young Guns bloc in the House of Representatives also lauded the President for signing into law Republic Act 12237.
‘The House Quad Committee hearings revealed the full extent of Pogo-related atrocities, from sex trafficking rings hidden in upscale condominiums to sophisticated scams that defraud innocent victims worldwide,’ said Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega. ‘These operations, masquerading as legitimate businesses, have inflicted immeasurable harm on our communities. President Marcos’ bold action today closes this dark chapter and restores integrity to our nation’s economic landscape.’
‘This law is not just a ban; it’s a shield for our people against exploitation and a signal to the world that the Philippines stands firm against criminal enterprises,’ stated Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun. ‘The Quad Committee’s findings-detailing billions in allegedly laundered funds and thousands of victims-galvanized us all. We thank the President for championing this cause and turning our collective resolve into reality.’
The new law mandates the immediate shutdown of all Pogo operations, revokes all related work permits and visas, imposes life imprisonment and hefty fines on violators, and authorizes law enforcement to seize assets tied to these activities. It also includes provisions for the rehabilitation of victims and the conversion of Pogo-affected properties for legitimate economic use.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the enactment of the ban reaffirms the government’s resolve to cleanse the system of corruption and criminality.
‘We witnessed firsthand how Pogos eroded trust in our institutions and fueled inequality. The hearings exposed their ties to corruption at every level, from local enforcers to international syndicates,’ he said.
For her part, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila M. de Lima said the enactment of the Anti-Pogo Act institutionalizes a long-overdue policy shift that prioritizes national integrity and security over profit.
‘We have been a vocal critic of these Pogos-a Duterte administration-sponsored Chinese creeping invasion that catered to the interests of Chinese criminals and pro-China government officials,’ de Lima said.
She called for the strict and sustained implementation of the law to ensure that no illegal online gambling operations resurface under different names. ‘We must ensure the strict implementation of this law so that it cannot be circumvented by those with selfish interests, especially under future administrations,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva of Cibac described the enactment as a ‘moral and social victory’ against what he called a national menace, citing the industry’s links to human trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.