Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the signing of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which formally bans Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations throughout the country.

Go, one of the law’s co-authors and co-sponsors, underscored that the measure prioritized public safety and national welfare over revenue considerations, calling the ban a “moral and regulatory imperative” to protect Filipinos from related crimes.

The new law, Republic Act (RA) 12312, was signed on 23 October 2025, making it unlawful to establish, operate, or conduct offshore gaming operations in the Philippines. It repeals RA 11590, which had previously regulated the industry under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

The measure explicitly prohibits any individual or entity from acting as a gaming content provider, service provider, or gaming hub operator, and bans the manufacture, possession, or use of POGO gaming equipment.

Go stressed the law was necessary to uphold public order following numerous criminal cases — including human trafficking, illegal detention and cybercrime — that were traced to POGO-related operations.

“As a co-author of this measure, I have long called for the permanent banning of POGOs,” Go said, adding that peace and order and the lives of Filipinos were paramount. “If they are sowing terror here and Filipinos are affected, it is better for them to leave.”

Section 4 of RA 12312 strictly prohibits all forms of offshore gaming within the country. The Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are authorized to lead enforcement efforts, dismantle remaining operations, and deport foreign nationals involved in prohibited activities. Local government units are also directed to cooperate.

The law empowers the Anti-Money Laundering Council to monitor and investigate suspicious transactions linked to the operations.

Go, whose position has consistently centered on prioritizing the protection of Filipinos from the social costs of POGOs, called for “strict and uncompromised enforcement” of the new law.

“When we say total ban, nothing should be left,” he said, asserting that the sector’s economic benefits could not outweigh the growing threats to peace and order. He emphasized that the law’s success hinges on the collective vigilance of both the public and government.