Senator Win Gatchalian said the enactment of the anti-POGO law ensures sustained government action against POGO-like entities that have remained in the country despite the ban implemented starting this year.

“I am elated by the enactment of this measure as the POGOs have brought nothing but a surge in criminalities that include kidnapping, human trafficking, and prostitution, among others. This isn’t just an economic issue but a moral imperative,” Gatchalian said.

The senator led the advocacy to terminate all POGO activities in the country following the discovery that any economic benefits that the government derived from POGOs were significantly outweighed by the social cost of their operations in the country.

The enactment of Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, effectively repealed RA 11590, which had previously legalized offshore gaming in the country.

“Makakamit natin ang totoong pag-unlad kung uunahin natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan at peace and order sa bansa. Ang batas na ito ay para tuluyan nang mapuksa ang mga salot na dulot ng POGO,” he added.