Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law a sweeping measure that outlaws all offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the Philippines and simultaneously voids the work visas of foreign workers tied to them.
Under this new legislation, any entity operating as a POGO will be illegally operating moving forward. In addition:
- All work permits and visas issued to foreign employees of POGOs are rendered invalid.
- Victims of these operations will have recourse as the measure also closes long-criticised loopholes in the industry.
Government agencies are now mobilised to implement the law’s full effect—this includes revoking licenses, cancelling foreign worker visas, and ensuring that affected foreign nationals depart the country or transition legally if applicable.
In sum, this marks a decisive shift in the Philippines’ stance on the offshore gaming sector, aiming for tighter control, stronger accountability and clearer consequences for those who previously operated in regulatory grey zones.