Marcos signs RA 12312, permanently banning POGOs

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, effectively banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and declaring all their operations illegal. The law was signed on 23 October 2025 and repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming in the country.

“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the law reads. “To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful.”

Key provisions of the Anti-POGO Act

Under RA 12312, the following are prohibited:

• Establishing, operating, or conducting offshore gaming activities in the Philippines.

• Accepting any form of betting for offshore gaming operations.

• Acting as a POGO content or service provider.

• Creating or operating a POGO hub.

• Introducing, using, or possessing POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia.

All existing POGO licenses are permanently canceled, and Alien Employment Permits, certificates of exemption, visas, or work permits issued to foreign POGO workers have been revoked. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are prohibited from issuing new permits or visas for offshore gaming purposes. Foreign nationals whose visas are canceled will be deported to their home countries in coordination with their respective embassies.

Tax and accountability measures

The law also makes all former POGOs, service providers, and local gaming agents liable for outstanding taxes, duties, and regulatory fees accrued until the last day of their operations. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is tasked with auditing these entities, while local gaming agents remain responsible for ensuring tax compliance.

For Filipino workers affected by the POGO closure, DOLE is directed to implement transition programs, including retooling, skills training, and alternative employment opportunities, in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Oversight and penalties

An Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC), chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) with members from DICT, DOJ, and DILG, will ensure proper implementation of the law. The AOC must submit compliance reports to the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives within one year.

Violators face the following penalties:

• First offense: Up to eight years imprisonment and fines up to P15 million.

• Second offense: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to P30 million.

• Third offense: Up to 12 years imprisonment and fines up to P50 million.

Public officials face the maximum penalty for violations, while foreign nationals will be deported after serving their sentence and permanently barred from returning to the Philippines.

RA 12312 takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Lawmakers laud move against POGO abuses

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the signing, calling it a “long-overdue correction” to previous policies that allowed POGOs to exploit people and institutions.

“Sa wakas, maiwawasto na ang pagkakamali ng nakaraang administrasyon sa pagpapasok ng industriya ng POGO sa bansa,” Hontiveros said. (“At last, the mistake of the previous administration in allowing the POGO industry into the country will now be corrected.”)

The senator, who spearheaded Senate inquiries exposing trafficking, prostitution, and scams linked to POGOs—including alleged “scam hubs” associated with former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo—thanked law enforcement, whistleblowers, and trafficking survivors for helping uncover the industry’s abuses.

With RA 12312 now law, the Philippines moves to close the chapter on offshore gaming, prioritizing public welfare, labor protection, and the rule of law over the controversial industry that has long drawn scrutiny.