By Chloe Marie A Hufana, reporter
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signs a law banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), formalizing the government's policy of shutting down the industry over national security and social concerns.
Republic Act (RA) No. 12312 or the Anti-POGO Act 2025, signed earlier this week, bans all offshore and internet-based gambling operations in the country. The measure aims to curb criminal activities linked to POGOs, which authorities have linked to money laundering, human trafficking and cyber crime.
Under the law, all work permits and visas issued to people involved in offshore gaming – including operators, content providers and employees of accredited service firms – are now cancelled.
Mr. Marcos signed the measure on October 23, ordering the Department of Labor and Employment to create programs that will help Filipino workers transition after industry closures.
Following a series of criminal cases involving POGOs, the President first announced a complete ban during his 2024 State of the Nation address.
Offshore gaming hubs have become breeding grounds for money laundering, human trafficking and torture, he said, adding that such operations “have no place in a just and orderly society.”
Mr. Marcos said that banning all POGOs would solve “many problems” facing the country.
According to the law, “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 to the meaningful enjoyment of democracy.” “The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.”
The Senate passed the measure as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, and the House of Representatives adopted it as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 two days later.
The law is based on Executive Order No. 74, which Mr. Marcos issued in November 2024 to impose an immediate nationwide ban on offshore and internet gaming operations. The President then cited national security and public safety concerns arising from POGO-related crimes.
Under RA 12312, first-time offenders may face six to eight years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from P300,000 to P15 million. The second offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to P30 million, while the third offense is punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine up to P50 million.
Government officials found guilty will receive the maximum penalty, while foreign offenders will be deported after serving their sentences and permanently barred from returning to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the President also signed an education reform measure institutionalizing lifelong learning as part of national development efforts.
Mr. Marcos on October 23 signed RA No. 12313, or the Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act, which amends the 2018 Philippine Qualifications Framework Act.
The law expands the mandate of the Philippine Qualifications Framework-National Coordinating Council and seeks to include continuous learning in all sectors of society.
Under the law, the Council must prepare a national master plan to promote lifelong learning across the country. Cities, municipalities and villages can be designated as “learning communities” based on their performance in key education and training indicators.
The framework promotes functional literacy, inclusive education and community-based learning, while strengthening workplace-based training in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders. It also calls for greater use of digital and modern learning technologies, quality assurance in education and promotion of a culture of lifelong learning.
To improve coordination, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Interior and Local Government have been added as members of the Council.
Within six months after the effective date of the law, the Council shall, in coordination with education agencies, industry and local governments, prepare a national master plan consistent with the Philippine Development Plan. The plan will be reviewed every five years to reflect the evolving labor market and development priorities.
