“Effective today, all POGOs are banned.” 

To a thunderous applause, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators in the country.

It elicited a standing ovation and applause from the audience at the Batasang Pambansa – mostly lawmakers, cabinet officials and a few guests.

During his third State of the Nation Address Marcos Jr. said that POGO operations are moving to illicit areas which involved financial scamming, money laundering, prostitutions, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. Kailangan na itigil ang pang gulo nito sa ating lipunan at pag lalapastangan sa ating bansa,” Marcos said in his 2024 State of the Nation Address.

“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” he added.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said that a total ban in the operation of POGOs was necessary due to the issues surrounding the industry.

The statement of Marcos Jr., came amid the public clamor following consecutive raids against the establishments, leading to the discovery of torture, love scams, and criminal activities.

“I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease all operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” Marcos said.

The Department of Labor and Employment has been tasked to find new jobs  for Filipinos who would lose employment.