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BI supports new anti-POGO law

Philippines | National

BI supports new anti-POGO law

By Jeffrey Damicog

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Nov. 2, expressed its full support to the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 12312, the Anti-Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) Act of 2025.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI “stands with President Marcos in implementing this historic reform,”

The law was signed by the President last Oct. 23. It repealed RA No. 11590 which imposed taxes on offshore gaming licensees and service providers.

Under RA 12312, violators will face imprisonment of up to 12 years and fines of up to P50 million.

In the case of foreign offenders, violations will be deported after serving their sentence and will be banned permanently from entering the Philippines.

The President first imposed the ban on offshore and internet gaming through Executive Order No. 74 issued in November 2024 due to links with crimes such as human trafficking and torture.

Viado said the new law “is a victory for law enforcement, for good governance, and most importantly, for the Filipino people.”

He said RA 12312 sends a strong message that “the Philippines will not tolerate any activity that undermines our national security, economic integrity, or the welfare of our people.”

At the same time, Viado said the new law “affirms our collective commitment to protecting our borders from criminal syndicates that exploit offshore gaming to engage in human trafficking, cybercrime, and other forms of organized criminal activity.”

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