Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the passage of the Anti-POGO law on Wednesday, saying it marks an opportunity to address the missteps of the previous administration in permitting the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry to operate in the country.

This came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, or Republic Act No. 12312, on October 23, 2025. The measure prohibits the establishment, operation, and conduct of offshore gaming anywhere in the country.

“As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, I have long called for the abolition of POGOs in the country, having seen and exposed how this industry abused and exploited not just people, but also institutions,” said Hontiveros.

The senator expressed her gratitude to government agencies and whistleblowers who assisted in the thorough investigation of the POGO industry. She also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Win Gatchalian, for leading the push to advance the Anti-POGO measure.

She emphasized that the industry has caused serious harm to the country in multiple ways.

Hontiveros highlighted the negative impact of the POGO industry in the Philippines, citing cases of minors being forced into prostitution to serve Chinese POGO workers in the country, foreign women being trafficked, and alleged involvement in scam operations, mentioning former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.

“With this law, the government has a clear duty: to ensure that no POGO will ever turn the Philippines into their criminal playground again,” she said.