VIPPH News — Marcos Skips Online Gambling Topic in 2025 SONA Amid POGO Crackdowns

The VIPPH community closely followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he highlighted economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and agricultural development. Notably, the speech made no mention of online gambling or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), despite the recent wave of enforcement actions targeting illegal operations.

This omission comes after a series of high-profile raids, including a major June operation in Pampanga where hundreds of foreign workers were rescued from an illegal POGO facility. Authorities reported evidence of abuse and other criminal activity, prompting calls for stricter regulations from lawmakers and government agencies.

In the months leading up to the SONA, the Department of Justice proposed tougher penalties against illegal operators, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and police continued to dismantle unlicensed hubs. The absence of the topic in the president’s address left many industry stakeholders awaiting further policy direction.

Enforcement agencies maintain their focus on shutting down unregulated online gambling sites while safeguarding legitimate businesses. Although the sector contributes revenue to the economy, risks linked to organized crime and human trafficking remain a pressing concern.

As discussions over legislative reforms progress, the VIPPH community and industry observers remain watchful for any future statements or policy shifts from the administration regarding the fate of POGOs in the Philippines.