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:
- Senate Bill No. 2821 or the Accelerated and Reformed Right of Way Act (voting 23-0-0)
- Senate Bill No. 2982 or the The Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act (voting 23-0-0)
- Senate Bill No. 2899 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Act (voting 22-1-0)
- Senate Bill No. 2903 or the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law (voting 22-0-0)
- Senate Bill No. 2969 or the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines Charter Act (voting 22-0-0-)
- Senate Bill No. 2999 or the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act (voting 21-0-0)
- Senate Bill No. 2613 or the Equitable Access to Sha’riah Courts (voting 21-0-0)
- Senate Bill No. 3000 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act (voting 21-0-0) /cb