“This decisive action (revoking all POGO licenses) may seem like the end, but the reality is more complex”

The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) issue is far from closed, even with the Dec. 15 revocation of all POGO licenses by PAGCOR.

This decisive action may seem like the end, but the reality is more complex.

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The fight against the illicit activities surrounding POGOs is only beginning. Our laws’ loopholes have been exposed; it’s time to tighten them to prevent organized crime from inflicting its corrosive impact on all of us Filipino consumers.

As Stratbase Institute President, Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit aptly stated during a recent forum jointly hosted with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), “POGOs are a national menace on so many fronts. One can look at it from a governance and transparency point of view, human rights, economics, and national security.”

A USIP study presented during the forum underscores Southeast Asia’s role as a hub for transnational crime.

According to USIP’s Myanmar Country Director, Jason Tower, “These online gambling syndicates… focused initially on a market in China,” with up to one million Chinese nationals involved before the pandemic. While POGOs might appear as a Filipino problem, the networks extend across Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam, tied to Chinese-based organized crime groups.

Tower pointed out that these crime groups have repurposed their Southeast Asia-based online gambling infrastructure to pivot into online scamming on a transnational scale.

Filipino consumers are directly affected. Scammers have pivoted to targeting locals with romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes.

Tower explains, “They would go on to WeChat and… use romance scams or appeals to get [victims] addicted to gambling.” These sophisticated tactics drain Filipinos’ savings and undermine trust in financial platforms.

President Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 74, signed on Nov. 5, mandates an immediate ban on offshore gaming and establishes technical working groups to combat illegal operations.

The TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations mobilizes the PAOCC, DOJ, PNP, and other key agencies. This coordinated approach is crucial because POGO-related crimes—human trafficking, fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering—are multifaceted. Without coordination, enforcement efforts are futile.

The legislative front is also advancing. Senate Bill 2868, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2024, filed by Senator Win Gatchalian, seeks to “eliminate once and for all the operations” of POGOs.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who called for a POGO suspension in 2020, has consistently highlighted their societal harms. Her advocacy led to the Senate Committee’s investigation conclusion on November 27.

Dec. 17 marked a milestone with the coordinated shutdown of a 33-hectare POGO hub in Kawit, Cavite, involving the DILG, PAOCC, DOJ, BI, and local authorities. This demonstrated the power of unified action.

But, as Tower warns, “Every time we’re seeing a crackdown… these transnational criminal networks almost immediately adapt.”

To stay ahead, we need tighter legal frameworks and regional law enforcement cooperation.

Tower points out that these networks “pivoted over to doing online scamming… using all the infrastructure built out across Southeast Asia for online gambling.”

The ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons must be fully utilized to combat human trafficking linked to POGOs. DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty emphasized the need to institutionalize regional collaboration, moving beyond ad hoc efforts.

Strengthening cybersecurity capabilities is equally critical. POGO-related cyber operations are sophisticated, requiring enhanced digital literacy among officials, research, and public awareness campaigns.

As Tower notes, “Financial technology is very much at the center of this… these criminal networks are investing very deeply in cutting-edge technologies.”

The POGO issue extends beyond operators to a broader ecosystem involving construction firms, financial networks, and recruitment agencies.

Disrupting this ecosystem requires mapping financial flows and targeting enablers. “These criminal networks are undermining financial systems… and border security,” Tower adds.

Beyond enforcement, we must tackle the root causes enabling POGOs. The Department of Trade and Industry should foster competitive, legitimate industries and zero tolerance on dubious operations.

Ultimately, the POGO dilemma is not just about legality; it’s about national security, regional stability, and social integrity.

Recent government actions are commendable but must be part of a sustained effort.

Tightening laws, fortifying digital systems, and fostering international cooperation can ensure organized crime finds no safe harbor in the Philippines.

As we move forward, the goal is not just eliminating POGOs, but protecting Filipino consumers and the nation from the international crime networks they represent.