In June 2025, a major legislation concerning the fate of Philippine offshore gaming was quietly passed with almost no controversy, yet it caused a huge upheaval within the gaming industry.
The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives passed the "Anti-POGO Bill" almost unanimously. Once signed by the president, this bill will completely end the legal status of Philippine offshore gaming, explicitly criminalizing POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and fundamentally eradicating the entire industry from a legal standpoint.
This is not a mere tightening of policy, but a structural and fundamental denial. Both the struggling licensed platforms and the gray industry groups that have already moved out but still harbored fantasies must face an irreversible reality: the Philippine gaming industry has reached its end.
I. Timeline: The Legalization of Gaming Ends Completely in 2025
2021–2023: The number of POGOs plummeted by ninety percent, with multiple scandals involving kidnapping and money laundering by Chinese-funded platforms causing strong public resentment.
August 2024: President Marcos Jr. clearly stated that POGOs no longer align with national interests, supporting a comprehensive withdrawal.
May 2025: The Senate proposed the "Anti-POGO Bill", advocating for a complete ban, criminal penalties, and the revocation of PAGCOR's licensing authority.
June 9, 2025: The Senate passed the bill on the third reading, unopposed.
June 10, 2025: The House of Representatives concurrently passed the bill, currently awaiting the president's signature.
This marks the first time in Philippine history that formal legislation has completely negated the legal basis of the gaming industry. From now on, even legal platforms will become targets of enforcement, with no more "legal POGO" to speak of.
II. Rigorous Legislative Process, Irreversible Legal Effect
In the Philippine constitutional system, major bills require drafting, first reading, second reading, third reading, agreement by the House of Representatives, and presidential signature. The "Anti-POGO Bill" not only completed these procedures but also achieved high political consensus:
Passed without opposition, showing bipartisan, cross-institutional support
Endorsed by judicial, religious, law enforcement, intelligence, security, and educational departments
There was also "informal" pressure from China behind the scenes
Once signed by the president, the bill will become formal criminal law, not merely a policy statement, but a legally enforceable framework. In the future, any involvement in platform operations, renting, internet services, or financial cooperation could face criminal prosecution.
In other words, no matter who takes office in the future, they will not have the authority to "revive gaming" through administrative measures unless they overturn the entire law, which would be a costly and risky political gamble.
III. After the Law Takes Effect: The Industry Will Completely Collapse
Once the law officially takes effect, the industry will face systemic collapse:
All POGO licenses will be invalidated
PAGCOR will lose its licensing authority, and all existing operating platforms will be considered illegal organizations
Employees will be deported, assets frozen
Foreign employees may face mass arrests and deportations
Involved businesses, landlords, suppliers, and service providers will all be listed as accomplices
Platform bank accounts, equipment, and cash will be legally seized or even auctioned
The financial chain will break, and the ecosystem will collapse
Hundreds of gray production platforms will be forced to shut down
Wages, commissions, investments, and earnings will all evaporate
Many Filipino-Chinese intermediaries, technicians, and shareholders will be implicated
The most severe consequence is that the Philippines will completely lose any institutional possibility of legally conducting offshore gaming, not just a suspension, but a "complete shutdown."
IV. Even if Duterte Returns, He Cannot Save the Fate of Gaming
Many industry insiders still harbor illusions, thinking that if there is a change in government, especially if Duterte returns to power, there might be a chance for the gaming industry. However, this hope was completely shattered in the summer of 2025.
The reality is:
Duterte himself is facing judicial scrutiny, and his political influence has significantly waned
Even if he returns, he cannot overturn the already legislated ban
The military, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and social groups have formed a firm anti-gaming alliance
More importantly, this ban has been elevated to national law, beyond the reach of administrative levels. If someone wants to restart gaming in the future, they must re-legislate, modify the regulatory system, and establish authorization agencies, which would take years and face huge political resistance.
Which political figure would risk the enormous political cost of "green-lighting Chinese gaming platforms" to overturn the current ban?
Conclusion: Institutional Lockdown is Set, Gaming in the Philippines Ends Completely
This time, it is not just a change in policy direction, but a legal closure at the level of law. From now on, the Philippines is no longer a safe haven for gaming, but a high-pressure zone for criminal responsibility. Whether it's a licensed legitimate platform or a "disguised legal" gray production, all must face legal risks and cut losses in time.
Any hope of "just enduring a bit longer" is gambling against the law and reality. For the entire Southeast Asian gaming industry chain, the complete closure of this gate in the Philippines will trigger a broader industry transfer and risk reassessment.
POGO is officially history. In the next three to five years, don't expect any chance of a "turnaround."
