MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12312, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2025,” which institutionalizes the nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Marcos signed the measure on October 23, 2025, repealing Republic Act No. 11590, or “An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations,” which previously imposed taxes on both offshore gaming licensees and their service providers operating in the Philippines.

“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 for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law stated.

The measure was passed by the Senate as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, 2025, and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 on June 11, 2025.

In November 2024, citing the risks posed by POGO operations in the country, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming.

In issuing EO 74, the President said, “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

During his State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024, Marcos declared a total POGO ban due to crimes such as human trafficking and torture associated with POGO hubs. He said banning all POGOs would help resolve many of the problems the Philippines is facing.

Under the new law, first-time violators will face imprisonment of six to eight years and a fine between ₱300,000 and ₱15 million. Second-time offenders will face imprisonment of eight years and one day to 10 years and a fine ranging from ₱15 million to ₱30 million, while third-time offenders will face imprisonment of 10 years and one day to 12 years and a fine between ₱30 million and ₱50 million.

If the offender is a public official or employee, the maximum penalty will be imposed. Foreign offenders will be deported immediately after serving their sentence and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines.