President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12312, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, bolstering the integrity of the country’s investment promotion framework by banning offshore gaming operations.
APECO CEO Gil Taway welcomed the move, saying it reinforces the government’s stance that economic zones should host responsible and transparent investments.
He noted that APECO has already removed a POGO operator from its premises and is conducting a full audit to ensure compliance.
The new law also revokes the authority of ecozones and investment agencies to issue POGO-related permits and mandates the cancellation of visas and work permits tied to such operations.
APECO now aims to shift its focus to national defense, clean energy, fishing, and sustainable tourism industries.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 4, 2025
