Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) — The Pasig City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance ordering existing online gambling establishments to terminate operations within one year.
“The City Government of Pasig is one with the parents, school officials, and other concerned residents in the desire to give the best environment to its citizens [and] for the safety as well as security of those living in the city,” the ordinance read.
Under Ordinance 55, new online gambling firms will not be granted permits to operate.
This includes Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo outlets, online poker, and computer gaming stations.
Operations of service providers giving technical support are also prohibited.
In a tweet citing POGO-related kidnappings, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said the ordinance will “repress the evils of online gaming for chance, which undermines the social, moral and economic growth and development of our society.”
Last September, several government agencies intensified their efforts against kidnappings involving POGO.
READ: Gov’t agencies intensify efforts vs. POGO-related kidnapping cases
Online gambling establishments are only allowed to operate until Dec. 31, 2023. Violators will be fined ₱5,000 or serve an imprisonment period of one year, depending on the discretion of the court.
