The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City adopted a resolution on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 banning the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), now known as Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL), and its local gaming agents in the city1. Councilor Romel D. Duron, who authored the resolution, said it is a preventive measure in case POGO operators try to open in the city1.
Duron said the ban followed his earlier privilege speech about illegal immigrants residing in the city and foreigners engaging in unlawful activities, and is in conformity with Executive Order No. 094 signed by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, which set out the city government's policy against illegal POGO operations1. Rappler reported that Treñas issued Executive Order No. 94 on July 8, declaring the city government's position against "illegal" POGOs and their activities in Iloilo City2. Treñas said the council's move strengthened his position to reject requests to approve POGO applications in the city2.
The resolution also endorses House Bills 5082 and 1197, which both seek to ban POGO due to crimes linked to the operations and fears of national security implications1. Duron said that before the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) issues a license, it should first request the consent of the local government1.
"POGO or IGL's purpose of its business operation in Iloilo City will inevitably destroy the reputation and dignity of Iloilo City and its people," the resolution added.
Rappler reported that at least 17 Chinese men are in detention after they were arrested in Jaro for cybersex and human trafficking in November 20232. Under the measure, homeowners in the city's subdivisions were asked to make foreigners show their passports and other documents before renting out their properties, and Duron said the city government would be strict about a "no dummy policy" among renters2. Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda wrote to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urging an investigation into the influx of Chinese nationals in the city, listing Puerto Real de Iloilo in Lapaz, Monterosa Subdivision in Mandurriao and Ledesco Subdivision in Lapaz2. Baronda acknowledged that many of the Chinese newcomers have not caused trouble and have been friendly to neighbors, but said questions were raised about their affluent lifestyles2.
Duron said the ban "sends a clear message that we do not permit POGO operations," and that "if anyone applies for a POGO license in Iloilo City, we will deny it"2. He also said the supposed benefits from POGO activities pale in comparison to their social costs, and that no amount of taxes or perceived job creation can justify those costs2.
What it means for players
The resolution covers POGO and IGL operations and their local gaming agents in Iloilo City, not land-based casinos or other forms of gambling, and no source describes any effect on individual players' accounts or on licensed online play elsewhere in the country. Offshore operators licensed by PAGCOR have faced scrutiny nationally, as covered in The Philippines' Ban on Offshore Gaming (POGOs) and in Crackdowns on Offshore Online Gambling Hubs in Asia. For the wider legal picture, see Can I Gamble in the Philippines? and Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions. The sources do not state how the city would enforce the ban against operators or agents, or what penalties would apply.
What happens next
The resolution endorses House Bills 5082 and 1197, both of which seek a national POGO ban1. No source reports a date for action on those bills, or any further step by the Iloilo City government.
