By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter
THE HOUSE of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading separate bills that seek to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and online cockfighting amid their perceived negative effects on society.
In a voice vote, lawmakers approved House Bill (HB) No. 10987, which outlaws the operations of any offshore gaming operations in the country, putting teeth into President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order last year to ban them.
“It is still necessary to enact legislation to address illegal POGOs as they have been tied to numerous different unlawful activities,” Cavite Rep. Antonio A. Ferrer, who heads the House committee on games, told the House plenary in his sponsorship speech.
“While an executive order has been issued by the President, no penalties have been provided other than just prohibiting the same,” he added.
Mr. Marcos in his State of the Nation Address last year ordered a total ban on POGOs, citing their ties to illicit activities such as money laundering, prostitution and human trafficking.
All offshore gaming operators, support staff and local gaming agents must settle all taxes before winding down.
People caught operating POGOs face a jail term of up to eight years and may be fined as much as P5 million under the bill.
The House also approved on second reading a measure that seeks to ban online cockfighting or e-sabong operations and penalize illegal operators.
“All permits and licenses of e-sabong operators issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are declared invalid and the PAGCOR shall make an accounting of any financial obligation due to and from e-sabong operators,” according to House Bill No. 11254. “No permits or licenses for the operation of e-sabong may be issued by PAGCOR upon the effectivity of this act.”
Mr. Marcos issued an order in 2022 that kept the ban on online cockfighting operations imposed by his predecessor.
Violators face a jail term of up to 20 years and a maximum fine of P500,000.
Also on Monday, lawmakers approved on second reading a bill that seeks to strengthen the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) charter.
House Bill No. 11373 seeks to make the agency an “independent, accountable, quasi-judicial and rule-making regulatory body,” allowing it to better police the power sector.
“The ERC shall determine the benchmark for the range of prices and rates that are deemed reasonable for both the end-user and the operations of generation, transmission and distribution entities,” it added.