The enactment of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, or Republic Act (RA) 12312, is a challenge for authorities to ensure that POGOs do not return under any form or guise, according to the members of the Young Guns.
RH Milky Rigonan reported on Thursday, October 30, that the members of the Young Guns from the House of Representatives actively participated in the hearings conducted by the House Quad Committee during the 19th Congress.
At the time, the Committee was chaired by former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
The Young Guns—composed of La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Manila 1st District Rep. Ernix Dionisio—lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to institutionalize the ban on POGOs.
According to Ortega, the law proves that the negative impacts of POGO operations have no place in the country or among Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Khonghun stated that the law’s enactment is not just a ban, but also poses a strong message that the authorities would not tolerate being used as a base for criminal enterprises.
During the Quad Committee hearings, lawmakers discovered the illicit activities related to POGO operations, such as human trafficking, money laundering, cyber fraud, and organized crime that exploit employees and threaten national security.
The principal authors for RA 12312 include: Ortega, Khonghun, and Gutierrez. Meanwhile, it was co-authored by Dionisio and Adiong.
Marcos signed RA 12312 on October 23, 2025, repealing Republic Act No. 11590, or “An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.”
“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law said.
