Permanent POGO ban eyed

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May 19, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — With just two weeks left before the 19th Congress adjourns, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of a bill seeking to permanently ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country – a measure that he says already enjoys strong support in the Senate.

The senator noted that while an executive order already exists prohibiting POGOs, codifying the ban into law is crucial to avoid any ambiguity in enforcement.

Gatchalian has been among the biggest critics of POGOs in the chamber, citing their contribution to criminality, corruption and regulatory difficulties. He has also cited findings from Senate inquiries linking POGOs to money laundering and human trafficking.

In addition to the POGO ban, Gatchalian said he is also pushing for the passage of legislation on raising taxes on vape products.

The senator cited data showing a rise in vaping use among adolescents, many of whom had never been smokers.

He also raised concerns about smuggling activities tied to vape products, particularly technical smuggling involving discrepancies in tax declarations between freebase and nicotine salt products.

“Whatever has a lower (tax rate) that is what they declare,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate committee on ways and means, of which Gatchalian is chairman, will hold a public hearing on the measure today.

In an interview over dzBB yesterday, Gatchalian revealed that he has communicated with Senate President Francis Escudero to prioritize these two key pieces of legislation before the current Congress ends.