Senator Grace Poe said that a bill banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) should be crafted following the recent arrest of several groups in the country.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Poe said that a law is needed "to prevent the next administration from bringing back POGO in the country".

"If it becomes a law, yes. The law can still be amended, but it will take longer to review it and the deliberation will be more transparent due to hearing. So if there is public clamor, it will be more difficult to restore POGO", Poe said.

In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing the immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country.

Despite the government order to ban POGO, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said in a radio interview that remaining POGOs in the country turned into small scale scam operations.

They hid in plain sight such as in finance, business districts, and hotels where foreigners are often seen.

So far, PAOCC arrested 401 foreign nationals and 52 Filipinos in their recent POGO raids.

Poe said that she is uncertain whether the bill can be passed into law within the 19th Congress as it hasn't reached second reading.

"I think it will be difficult to pass it into law unless the President will immediately certify it", Poe added. Marie Manalili/DMS