Philippines reviews visa scheme as illegal POGO activity persists

The Department of Foreign Affairs will investigate whether visa-free entry for Chinese citizens is being used to revive illegal POGO activity, following raids that left 101 foreign nationals, including 82 Chinese citizens, slated for deportation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has banned the POGO industry from January 2027. ^[1]

The Department of Justice warned illegal offshore gaming could return as operators shift from large compounds to smaller, decentralised sites, including single rooms in residential areas. Authorities are examining security arrangements, immigration loopholes and property leases under the Anti-POGO Act of 2025. ^[2]

PAGCOR aims to launch a mobile app in December 2026 for checking whether online gaming platforms are authorised. Its board approved development on 8 October, alongside a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc. ^[3][4]

Reports cited

1. Philippines reviews visa-free China scheme over illegal POGO concerns
2. Philippines DOJ warns illegal POGO operators are splitting into smaller sites
3. PAGCOR plans December launch for app verifying licensed online gaming sites
4. PAGCOR targets December launch for app verifying licensed gambling sites

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