President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12312, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, formally banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) across the country.
The law cancels the authority of economic zones, freeport authorities, and investment agencies—including the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO)—to issue licenses or permits to POGOs and related service providers.
Since taking office in October 2023, APECO’s new management prioritized aligning with the national policy. A recent audit revealed a POGO locator operating within the ecozone, including inside the APECO Administration Building, and facilities intended for tourism being used to house foreign POGO workers. Following President Marcos’ 2024 announcement to ban POGOs, APECO promptly phased out this operator.
The law also voids visas and work permits linked to POGO activities. APECO had already suspended the issuance of investor visas in November 2023 and, in July 2024, canceled previously issued resident visas as part of its reform efforts.
APECO’s management emphasized that cleansing the zone was challenging but necessary. The ecozone is now focused on becoming a national defense hub, clean energy center, sustainable tourism destination, and a center for local employment and regional development.
APECO expressed gratitude to President Marcos and lawmakers for the reform, saying the Anti-POGO Act restores the integrity of the country’s investment framework and reinforces economic zones as hubs for responsible investment.
