Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has called on the upcoming 20th Congress to continue investigating online gaming in the Philippines. He made the call despite the recent passage of a law banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
In a statement, Cayetano noted that lawmakers succeeded in passing the Anti-POGO bill. However, online gaming activities remain widespread and are reportedly growing. He expressed concern that even with the clampdown on POGOs, more Filipinos are turning to other online betting platforms. “We were able to restrict POGOs, but online gaming is still expanding. I hope the next Congress will address this growing issue,” he said.
Cayetano commended his fellow senators for approving the Anti-POGO bill before the 19th Congress adjourned. He also praised opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros. She spearheaded a series of Senate hearings and investigations that led to the bill’s passage on June 11.
The Senate passed the measure on June 9 with a unanimous vote of 23-0. Once enacted, the law will establish an Administrative Oversight Committee led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. This body will be tasked with monitoring and ensuring the effective implementation of the new policy.
The House of Representatives later adopted the Senate version of the bill. It formally bans the establishment, operation, and provision of services related to offshore gaming, specifically targeting POGOs.
Cayetano also paid tribute to early critics of POGOs. “Some were already raising red flags 15 or 20 years ago, no matter what it was called back then. We only acted now,” he said. “Hopefully, we won’t delay addressing the broader online gaming problem.”
With the POGO ban in place, Cayetano urged the 20th Congress to act. He said the rise of domestic online gaming is a serious and urgent issue that needs thorough legislative oversight.
