MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed joy over the passage of Republic Act No. 12312, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2025,” saying the measure finally corrects what she described as the “mistake of the past administration” in allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to operate in the country.

“I am overjoyed about the Anti-POGO Act’s passage into law,” Hontiveros said. “Sa wakas, maiwawasto na ang pagkakamali ng nakaraang administrasyon sa pagpapasok ng industriya ng POGO sa bansa.”

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros said she had long called for the abolition of POGOs, citing how the industry “abused and exploited not just people, but also institutions.”

She thanked government agencies, trafficked foreign women such as alias Ivy, and whistleblowers who assisted in investigations into POGO operations. She also extended her gratitude to Senator Win Gatchalian, whom she called her “POGO-buster” colleague, for leading the push for the bill’s passage.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, mga dayuhang babae tulad ni alias Ivy na tinraffick dito sa Pilipinas, at mga whistleblower na naging katuwang natin sa masusing pag-imbestiga sa mga POGO. Lubos din akong nagpapasalamat sa aking kapwa POGO-buster, si Senator Win Gatchalian, sa pangunguna sa pagsulong ng panukalang ito,” she said.

Hontiveros recalled various cases of abuse linked to POGOs, including minors forced into prostitution and the alleged scam hubs tied to Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

“Mula sa mga menor de edad na pinipilit pumasok sa prostitusyon para pagserbisyuhan ang mga Chinese POGO workers, hanggang sa mahiwagang kwento ng mga scam hubs ni Mayor Alice Guo, clearly, POGOs have harmed our country in more ways than we can imagine,” she said.

The senator stressed that with the passage of the Anti-POGO Act, the government now bears the responsibility to prevent similar crimes.

“With this law, the government has a clear duty: to ensure that no POGO will ever turn the Philippines into their criminal playground again,” Hontiveros said.