Executive Order (EO) No. 74 that bans Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from operating in the country exempts no one, assured the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday, Nov. 10.
“This one now clears the air so to speak na lahat na ng offshore gaming operators and internet gaming licenses ay covered regardless kung sino man ang nag-isyu (that all offshore gaming operators and internet gaming licenses are covered regardless who issued their licenses),” said DOJ Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez during an interview on Teleradyo.
Vasquez pointed this out in response to questions if the EO 74, which was issued last Nov. 5 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, also includes all economic zones.
He noted that economic zones have special charters that allow them to issue licenses to POGOs and internet gaming licenses (IGLs).
After President Marcos ordered in his July 22 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that all POGO and IGL operations cease by the end of the year, Vasquez recounted: “May nagsasabi hindi kami kasama kasi hindi naman kami licensed POGO na ibinigay ng PAGCOR (there are some saying that we are not covered because we are not POGOs licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).”
“Actually, with finality and clarity, ‘yan na ang EO na nag-alis ng lahat ng duda at kwest’yon (that EO removes all doubts and questions),” said Vasquez.
In issuing EO 74, President Marcos 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.”
"The high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination," the EO also states.