Anti-Pogo bill, 8 other key Senate measures passed on final reading

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in the country hurdled the Senate’s third and final reading on Monday.

With 23 affirmative votes, zero negative, and zero abstention, the chamber approved the measure on its final reading during Monday’s plenary session.

Should it be enacted into law, the measure would repeal Republic Act 11590, which legitimized offshore gaming in the country.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate panel on ways and means and author of the bill, said the approval of the measure would guarantee that the prohibition on the existence of Pogos extends beyond the current administration.

“The measure not only bans offshore gaming operations but also builds safeguards for our people. Hindi dapat kinokompromiso ang kapakanan ng taumbayan para sa kita na galing sa ilegal at maruming negosyo,” said Gatchalian.

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The measure mandates the forfeiture of all Pogo-related properties and equipment to prevent their reuse in illegal operations.

“This isn’t just a law — it’s the people’s demand to end the Pogo menace,” he added.

Apart from the Anti-Pogo bill, the following key measures were likewise approved during the same plenary session:

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