House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has praised the "decisive action" of President Marcos with his issuance of an executive order mandating an immediate ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and all other offshore gaming activities. 

Romualdez says the President’s Executive Order (EO) No.74 aligns with the ongoing efforts of the House of Representatives in tackling the “evils” associated with POGOs.

“The House of Representatives stands with President Marcos in his push to end the evils and illegal activities tied to offshore gaming, which have put our public safety, national security, and economy at risk,” Romualdez said in a statement Friday, Nov. 8.

“This ban is a big step in protecting our communities and bringing order back,” added the leader of the 300-plus strong House.

Signed on Nov. 5, 2024, EO No.74 follows findings of the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) linking POGOs to rising crime, social problems, and economic harm. 

Romualdez says the findings show how important it is to fully address the dangers that illegal offshore gaming can bring to the country.

Quad-comm efforts

The House has been proactive on this issue, with the quad-comm—a joint panel involving the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—leading a comprehensive probe into the widespread criminal activities associated with POGOs, which flourished during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

This investigation has revealed extensive connections between POGOs and various criminal syndicates, including those involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and unlawful land acquisitions by foreign nationals.

“Our work through the quad-comm has shown that POGOs present serious and far-reaching risks to our nation,” Romualdez pointed out.

He added: “The House is not only supporting the executive order but also advancing legislative solutions to strengthen enforcement efforts and protect our communities. Our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring national security is unwavering.”

Two legislative measures have been filed as a result of the quad-comm’s probe on POGOs: House Bill (HB) No.10987, which aims to formalize a POGO ban due to its links to crime and national security risks, and HB No.11043, which empowers the government to seize real estate unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals, particularly those connected to illegal POGOs.