The Philippine Government Targets Remaining Active POGOs in Crackdown

The Philippine government has revealed stringent measures to oversee the final phase of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) closure. This development signals incoming policy changes to limit illegal operations associated with the businesses.

Jonvic Remulla, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary, announced that 47 licensed POGOs are still operational. According to reports, the entities plan to wind down operations starting December 15^th, 2024, in time for the December 31^st deadline.

Deportations and Visa Regulation

In a recent statement, Secretary Remulla announced plans to visit the remaining POGOs from December 15^th to determine whether they are in the process of slowing down operations. He also emphasized that the government is strictly overseeing the issuance of visas to foreign workers linked to the establishments.

Led by Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that 21,757 foreigners linked to POGOs had their work visas knocked down to temporary visitor visas by November 7^th; 10,821 had already left the country. The remaining foreign workers are expected to leave the Philippines by the end of the year or risk deportation and blacklisting for non-compliance.

"They should show that they are winding down their operations," Remulla said. "We are also accounting the visas of foreign workers, mostly Chinese nationals. These two are interconnected. Once POGOs cease operations, they should leave the country because they do not have a valid working visa anymore."

Intense Government Clampdown

DILG is intensifying the crackdown as some POGOs attempt to evade the ban by masquerading as resorts, restaurants, and other legitimate businesses. Secretary Remulla revealed plans to issue a memorandum circular (MC) to deal with the challenge during a Commission on Appointments hearing.

"We are mounting guerilla operations because some Filipinos have learned to set up their own POGO firms. These are smaller in scale. But one thing is clear, if you have a POGO license, you should wind down operations by 15^th December, and by 31^st December you must close shop," Remulla added.

Corruption Complexities

Adding to the difficulty of the issue, corruption allegations have cropped up, with the spotlight on evasion by high-profile figures. One such case involves Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson, who has been linked with the POGO Lucky South 99, raided for alleged human trafficking and other illicit operations.

With an arrest order and legal charges hanging over his head, Roque allegedly fled the country through unauthorized channels. Speaking in an interview in Abu Dhabi, he denied the allegations and insisted he fled to strategize countering the charges.

Despite the challenges, President Marcos stands firm in his stance against POGOs. In the 2024 State of the Nation Address, Marcos underscored his administration's commitment to restoring and bolstering the Philippines' reputation as a premier tourism and investment destination.