MANILA—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed the Anti-Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Anti-POGO) Act of 2025 (Republic Act No. 12312) into law on October 23, 2025, marking a definitive end to all offshore gaming activities and related support services within the Philippines. 

The new law formally bans and criminalizes a wide range of activities, including operating or managing offshore gaming platforms, acting as a service provider, possessing POGO-related equipment, and aiding operations through fraudulent means. 

This decisive shift in national policy is anchored on upholding public order, human dignity, and national welfare, directly addressing the social, economic, and security implications linked to POGO operations. 

The new Act also immediately and permanently revokes all licenses and permits issued by agencies like PAGCOR, ecotones, and TIEZA.

The Anti-POGO Act establishes severe, graduated penalties to deter violations. A first offense carries 6 to 8 years imprisonment and a fine of ₱300K to ₱15M, escalating up to 10 to 12 years imprisonment and a ₱30M to ₱50M fine for a third offense. 

Public officials who violate the law face the maximum applicable penalties, along with dismissal from service and forfeiture of retirement benefits. 

Crucially, foreign nationals involved are subject to imprisonment, immediate deportation, and a permanent re-entry ban. 

Furthermore, all POGO-related assets—including buildings, equipment, and proceeds—are subject to government forfeiture and destruction, and civil forfeiture proceedings can be initiated based on probable cause, independent of a criminal conviction.

To ensure strict compliance, an Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) is established, chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and composed of the DOJ, DICT, and DILG, tasked with coordinating enforcement and conducting agency audits. 

The law also integrates POGO-related violations as predicate crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and as human trafficking offenses under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, boosting the government’s legal arsenal. 

Recognizing the impact on local employment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is mandated to implement a Labor Transition Program, assisting displaced Filipino workers through upskilling, re-skilling, and employment facilitation in coordination with other agencies.

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