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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10636 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country has 
raised several social, economic, and national security concerns. Despite their potential to generate 
revenue, the negative consequences of POGOs have become increasingly apparent. These include 
issues related to crime, such as human trafficking, money laundering, and illegal immigration, as 
well as the adverse social impacts on communities. 
The POGO industry has been linked to an increase in criminal activities, including 
kidnapping, extortion, and prostitution. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law 
enforcement agencies have documented numerous cases involving POGO-related crimes, 
indicating a significant threat to public safety and order. For instance, a notable rise in kidnapping 
incidents involving POGO gamers or bettors has been reported, with victims often being held for 
ransom by criminal syndicates. 
The influx of foreign workers, particularly from China, employed by POGOs has strained 
local resources and led to social tensions. There have been numerous instances of illegal 
immigration, with foreign nationals overstaying their visas or entering the country without proper 
documentation. This situation has put additional pressure on the Bureau of Immigration and other 
regulatory bodies to monitor and control the activities of these workers. 
The economic impact of POGOs is also a point of contention. While POGOs contribute to 
government revenue through taxes and fees, the economic benefits are overshadowed by the costs 
associated with increased crime and regulatory enforcement. The Department of Finance (DOF) 
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has highlighted challenges in collecting taxes from POGOs, with some operators evading tax 
liabilities through various schemes. This has led to revenue losses and undermined the integrity of 
the tax system. 
Socially, the presence of POGOs has had a disruptive effect on communities. Reports have 
emerged of residential areas being converted into makeshift dormitories for POGO workers, 
leading to overcrowding and a decline in living conditions for local residents. Additionally, the 
increased demand for real estate by POGO operators has driven up property prices, making it more 
difficult for ordinary Filipinos to afford housing. 
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential for money laundering activities 
within the POGO industry. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has identified 
suspicious transactions linked to POGO operations, indicating a risk of illicit financial flows that 
could undermine the country’s financial stability and international reputation. 
In light of these issues, this bill seeks to ban the operation of POGOs in the Philippines to 
address these pressing concerns and safeguard public order and welfare. By prohibiting POGO 
activities, the government aims to reduce crime rates, mitigate social tensions, protect economic 
interests, and uphold the integrity of the nation’s financial systems. 
This legislative measure is a proactive step towards ensuring a safer, more stable, and 
harmonious society for all Filipinos. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10636
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT BANNING PHILIPPINE OFFSHORE GAMING OPERATORS (POGOs) 
 IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of file Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "POGO Ban Act of 2024." 
 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect 
and promote the general welfare of its citizens. In pursuit of this policy, the State shall regulate 
and prohibit activities that pose a threat to social order, economic stability, and national security. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. —  For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are 
defined as follows: 
a.
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) - refers to entities that offer
and operate online gaming services to offshore clients.
b. Gaming Activities - refers to any form of wagering or betting conducted through
electronic means involving games of chance, including but not limited to sports
betting, casino games, and other similar activities.


 
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 SEC. 4.  Prohibition on POGO Operations. —  
 
a. The operation, establishment, and conduct of POGO activities, whether physical or 
digital operations, anywhere in the Philippines are hereby prohibited. 
 
b. All licenses and permits previously issued to POGOs by the Philippine Amusement 
and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or any other regulatory body are hereby 
revoked. 
 
SEC. 5. Enforcement and Implementation. —  
 
a. The PAGCOR shall release to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National 
Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the names of management and employees with 
pertinent details of all licensed POGO operators in the Philippines.  
b. The PNP, NBI) Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other relevant government 
agencies are hereby mandated to ensure the strict implementation of this Act, 
including physical inspection of operations on all POGO-related premises, 
investigations and facilitation of closure procedures. 
c. All foreign nationals connected with POGO organizations shall be accounted for, 
subjected to an exit interview and if warranted, shall be deported, at the soonest 
time possible.  
d. All POGO employees found in violation of any Philippine law, whether or not 
related to gaming, shall be held legally liable. 
e. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall 
coordinate with internet service providers to block access to online gaming websites 
operated by POGOs. 
 
         SEC. 6. Penalties. —  
 
a. Any person or entity found violating the provisions of this Act shall, upon 
conviction, be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and a fine 
of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱500,000.00) but not more than 
Five Million Pesos (₱5,000,000.00). 
 
b. Any public officer who fails to implement or enforce this Act shall be 
administratively liable under existing civil service laws. 
 
SEC. 7. Transitory Provisions. — 
 


 
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a. Existing POGOs shall be given a period of ninety (90) days from the effectivity of 
this Act to cease operations and wind down their activities.  
 
b. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall provide assistance and 
facilitate the reemployment of Filipino workers displaced due to the closure of 
POGOs. 
 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within thirty (30) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ), in coordination with PAGCOR, the 
Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Philippine National 
Police (PNP), and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for 
the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
         SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
         SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
         Approved,