President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared the ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in the country during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
"Effective today, all POGOs are banned," Marcos said during his speech.
Marcos emphasized the outcry of Filipinos that led to the total ban of POGOs in the country, citing illegal activities and severe abuse and disrespect towards the system.
"Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at ang paglalapastangan sa ating bansa," said Marcos.
PBBM highlighted the illegal activities associated with POGOs, such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and murder.
The president then instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and seize POGO operations by the end of the year.
Additionally, Marcos ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with the nation's economic managers, to use the time 'between now and then' to find new jobs for Filipinos who will be displaced following the POGO ban.
"This will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering. But it will not solve all of them," PBBM said.
"To solve all of the problems that we have been suffering from, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation," he added.
Previously, senators, representatives, the Department of Finance (DOF), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) urged the ban of POGOs in the country.
