The Bureau of Immigration (BI) enacted a ban on deportation flights with layovers for foreign nationals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related crimes.
In accordance with BI Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, foreign nationals with connections to POGOs who are deported will only be allowed on direct flights to their home countries, except when no direct flight route exists from the Philippines.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that the new measure will effectively close a significant loophole that POGO deportees have previously exploited.
“This is unchartered territory since we started mass deportations and arrests this year in compliance with President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos’ declaration of a POGO ban,” said Viado.
“The discussions during senate hearings allowed us to hear other perspective that we have included in our discussions. This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures. Removing direct flights for POGO-related foreign nationals would lower opportunities of them expanding their operations in other countries in the Asian region,” he added.
In a prior Senate Committee hearing, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian urged the implementation of stricter measures to prevent high-profile criminals from exploiting deportation procedures.
Viado expressed his gratitude to the Senators who supported the advancement of the policy reform, highlighting that their commitment to closing loopholes in the deportation process has played a crucial role in ensuring foreign syndicates cannot exploit the system.
The BI, working alongside the Department of Justice, has already initiated discussions with airlines and foreign embassies to ensure smooth enforcement of the new directive.
Furthermore, Viado urged legislators to look into expanding legislative support to institutionalize the policy.
"This is just the beginning. We will continue reviewing and strengthening our deportation processes to prevent criminals from finding ways back into the country or evading justice," Viado stated.
