PAGCOR cancels seven POGO-linked businesses in Cebu

As the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) intensifies, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has canceled at least seven businesses in Mandaue City, Cebu, engaged in electronic gaming and customer service operations.

Mandaue City's Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head, Lawyer August Lizer Malate, disclosed to the media that PAGCOR informed Mayor Glenn Bercede about the cancellation of the seven businesses.

Malate said these businesses were already non-operational, as confirmed during their inspection. However, notices were still sent to the establishments about the cancellations.

"So, what we will do in our system is to fully cancel their permits. The city is now cleared of those businesses originally licensed by PAGCOR," Malate said.

He clarified that these seven businesses were linked to POGO, as they were non-operational when the areas were inspected. The businesses involved sports betting, e-casinos, and customer service, among others.

On November 8, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74, imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.

The president justified the decision by emphasizing that the "state has a paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation."

Malate expressed concern that POGO operations may have shifted to homes with high-speed internet connections, raising the possibility of illegal gambling activities in residential areas.

The Mandaue City government continues to urge residents to report any suspicious activities or individuals in their neighborhoods to help prevent such occurrences.