MANILA — Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 74, effectively banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from operating in the country.

The order halts the issuance and renewal of offshore gaming licenses, marking a decisive step in addressing the legal, social, and economic issues tied to the industry.

Along with the ban, the executive order establishes a technical working group (TWG) to manage the economic impact on affected workers and industries. Yet, as industry analyst Atty. Vladimir F. Bedural points out, several critical questions remain unanswered—particularly regarding the role of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA).

Under previous directives, CEZA was explicitly authorized to issue gaming licenses, alongside PAGCOR, APECO, and AFAB.

However, EO 74 notably omits CEZA, raising questions about whether it is fully bound by the ban.

“Ito po ang isang bahagi ng executive order na medyo malabo,” said Bedural. “Dahil si APECO, tinanggalan na ng kapangyarihan mag-issue ng gaming licenses, at si AFAB, under supervision na lang ni PAGCOR, parang ang coverage ng ban ay nakatutok lamang sa mga lisensya na ipinagkakaloob ng PAGCOR o mga ahensiya nitong under supervision.”

The absence of CEZA in the order has left industry stakeholders wondering whether the economic zone is completely excluded. Bedural noted that CEZA only received a general directive from the Office of the President to “adhere” to the order, which creates further ambiguity.

There may be opportunities for some operators to adapt, however.

“Ang mga operators na nais mag-transition, puwede naman mag-shift to PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing (EGL) system for domestic gaming,” explained Bedural.

Additionally, PAGCOR-operated casinos, licensed casinos, and integrated resorts with junket agreements are exempt from the ban, potentially providing a path for some businesses to continue operations.

The ban also raises concerns for Service and Content-Based Providers (SCBPOs)—third-party companies that support POGOs.

By targeting both “Philippine- or Foreign-based licensees,” EO 74 may severely impact these auxiliary businesses, forcing them to either pivot or shut down. “Malaking dagok ito sa mga SCBPOs, lalo na kung magiging mahigpit ang pagpapatupad,” Bedural warned..

Despite the widespread effects of the ban, Bedural suggested  that EO 74 also acknowledges the importance of the offshore gaming industry’s economic role. By establishing the TWG to manage transitions, the order hints at a desire to channel gaming investments into regulated, PAGCOR-supervised activities, allowing some economic benefits to remain.

As the government begins to implement the POGO ban, affected businesses and industry stakeholders are left navigating the uncertainties, awaiting further clarification on its full scope and economic consequences.