Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday welcomed the enactment of the Anti-POGO Act (Republic Act No. 12312), calling it a long-overdue victory against the “abusive and exploitative” Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“I am overjoyed about the Anti-POGO Act’s passage into law,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Sa wakas, maiwawasto na ang pagkakamali ng nakaraang administrasyon sa pagpapasok ng industriya ng POGO sa bansa (At last, we can correct the mistake of the previous administration in allowing the POGO industry into our country),” she added.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros has been one of the most vocal critics of the offshore gaming sector, which she said had become a hub for human trafficking, prostitution, and cybercrime.
“Having seen and exposed how this industry abused and exploited not just people, but also institutions,” she said.
The senator extended her gratitude to government agencies, whistleblowers, and victims, including foreign women trafficked into the country, who aided investigations into POGO-related crimes.
She also thanked her “fellow POGO-buster,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for leading the push to pass the measure in Congress.
Hontiveros cited numerous cases uncovered during Senate inquiries, including minors forced into prostitution to serve Chinese POGO workers and the alleged scam hub operations linked to former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
Under the newly enacted Anti-POGO Act, all forms of offshore gaming operations are banned in the Philippines. The law also mandates the closure of existing POGO firms and the deportation of foreign workers involved in illicit activities.
Hontiveros said the passage of the measure sends a clear message that the government will no longer tolerate criminal enterprises disguised as legitimate businesses.
“With this law, the government has a clear duty: to ensure that no POGO will ever turn the Philippines into their criminal playground again,” she declared.