MANILA, Philippines — The final nail in the coffin for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) was driven on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as various government agencies officially signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law that bans all forms of offshore gaming in the country.
The ceremonial signing, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), solidifies the total ban that was first ordered by the President during the previous year’s State of the Nation Address.
The newly signed rules provide a clear, uncompromising framework for the complete cessation of POGO activities:
- Immediate Revocation: All remaining provisional and regular licenses for offshore gaming are officially revoked.
- Worker Repatriation: The IRR outlines the mandatory repatriation process for foreign POGO workers. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that all 9G (work) visas for POGO employees have been downgraded to tourist visas, giving them a non-extendable window to leave the country.
- Asset Liquidation: Companies are required to liquidate their local assets and settle all outstanding tax liabilities with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before they can formally exit.
The “POGO Task Force” has expanded its scope to ensure no underground operations remain. The signing involved several key departments:
- DOJ & NBI: Tasked with prosecuting POGO-related crimes, including human trafficking, scams, and illegal detention.
- PAGCOR: Transitioning from a regulator of POGOs to an enforcement arm that monitors “ghost” operations.
- DOLE: Implementing the “POGO Transition Program” to help displaced Filipino workers find new employment in the BPO and IT sectors.
- DILG: Working with local government units (LGUs) to inspect buildings and hubs previously occupied by gaming firms.
Government officials emphasized that the move prioritizes national security and social order over the tax revenues previously generated by the industry.
- Social Impact: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the “social costs” of POGOs—including the rise in “scam hubs” and organized crime—far outweighed the economic benefits.
- Real Estate Transition: While the ban initially created a vacuum in the office space market, the Department of Finance (DOF) noted that the vacancy is steadily being filled by the expanding traditional BPO sector and domestic tech startups.
The IRR specifically warns against businesses attempting to reorganize as “Business Process Outsourcing” firms while still conducting gambling activities. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will conduct rigorous audits of all BPO registrations to ensure they are not acting as fronts for illegal offshore gaming.