The ban on controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in the country is nearing institutionalization after the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) No.10987 on second reading.

Also known as the proposed Anti-Offshore Gaming Operators Act, the measure was approved during plenary session Monday night, Feb. 3 via simple voice vote.

The bill, if approved, will declare it unlawful for any person or entity to offer or conduct any offshore gaming operation in the country using any means or device.

Meanwhile, all visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and alien employment permits issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators ​will be declared canceled.

According to the measure, violators will face a jail term of four to six years and/or a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 for the first offense.

For the second offense, the penalty increases to a jail term of six to eight years and/or a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million.

For a third offense, the penalty is a jail term of eight to 10 years and/or a fine ranging from P5 million to P10 million.

Upon conviction, all buildings, structures, facilities, materials, equipment, and instruments used directly or indirectly in violation of the law, as well as the proceeds from the illegal offshore operation—except when such properties belong to innocent third parties—will be confiscated in favor of the government.

All POGO support providers, local gaming agents, and business process outsourcing providers will be required to settle all taxes and other fees owed to the governme​nt, according to the measure.