The senator reaffirmed that public safety and national welfare must always take precedence over revenue considerations, underscoring that the law’s passage reflects a moral and regulatory imperative to protect Filipinos from crimes linked to offshore gaming activities.
RA 12312, signed into law on October 23, 2025, makes it unlawful to establish, operate, or conduct offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, effectively repealing RA 11590, which had previously regulated such activities under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The new law also prohibits any individual or entity from acting as a gaming content provider, service provider, or gaming hub operator, and bans the manufacture, possession, or use of POGO gaming equipment.
Go stressed that the measure was necessary to uphold integrity and public order, especially after numerous criminal cases involving human trafficking, illegal detention, and cybercrime, among others, were traced to POGO-related operations.
“As a co-author of this measure, I have long called for the permanent banning of POGOs,” Go emphasized. “Importante talaga para sa akin ang peace and order. Ayaw ko po na ang Pilipino ang mahihirapan. Importante sa akin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino.”
He continued, “Kung sila po ang naghahasik ng lagim dito at apektado po ang Pilipino, mas mabuting umalis na lang po sila dito.”
Under Section 4 of RA 12312, any form of offshore gaming within the Philippines is strictly prohibited, while Section 5 defines the corresponding penalties. The law authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead enforcement and dismantle remaining POGO operations. It also directs local government units (LGUs) to cooperate with national authorities in shutting down illegal sites, freezing assets, and deporting foreign nationals found to be participating in prohibited gaming activities.
The law further empowers the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to monitor and investigate suspicious transactions related to offshore gaming. This provision reflects a legislative intent to curb financial crimes associated with the industry’s operations.
Senator Go’s consistent position is anchored on prioritizing protection of Filipinos from the social costs of POGOs, which have been linked to criminal syndicates, corruption, and exploitation. With this, he called for strict and uncompromised enforcement of the newly enacted law.
“Kapag sinabing total ban, dapat walang maiiwan. Huwag tayong magpabaya, lalo na kung kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mamamayan ang nakataya,” he said.
He emphasized that while the POGO sector once generated other forms of revenues for the country, its economic benefits could not outweigh the growing threats to peace and order. The senator asserted that public safety and moral governance are non negotiable, calling for the law’s swift and uniform enforcement.
He further reiterated that the law’s success depends on the collective vigilance of both the public and government: “Peace and order should always be our priority. Ang buhay po ng bawat Pilipino ay mahalaga.”
Go also filed Senate Bill No. 686 proposing a sweeping measure that would declare illegal the operation and conduct of online gambling activities in the Philippines. Through this proposal, Go said that online gambling is a significant threat to public morals, financial security, and the well-being of vulnerable Filipinos.