Pagcor Denounces Fake Memo on Offshore Online Gaming Shutdown
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the country’s gaming regulator, has issued a warning about a “disinformation campaign” involving a forged memorandum. This fake memo falsely orders local government units (LGUs) to immediately cease the operations of offshore online gaming businesses. Pagcor clarified in a Saturday announcement that this memo is not legitimate.
Forged Memorandum Incident
Jessa Mariz Fernandez, head of Pagcor’s Offshore Gaming Licensing Department, explained that the fraudulent memo, dated July 26, was a manipulated version of an actual memorandum issued by the agency on July 23, following the President’s State of the Nation Address.
The false document misleadingly advised LGUs in Metro Manila to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), now termed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), by early August.
Official Presidential Directive
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced on July 22 that IGLs would be required to end their operations in the Philippines by the end of the year.
Pagcor emphasized that they have not mandated an immediate shutdown of these businesses, aligning with the President’s directive to wind down operations by year-end.
Investigation and Response
Fernandez stated, “We have not issued a memorandum ordering LGUs to immediately close down POGO operations in their jurisdiction because the President’s order is very clear: We have until the end of the year to wind down POGO operations, and we will follow that.”
She described the incident as a deliberate act of disinformation aimed at causing chaos and confusion and indicated that Pagcor would seek the National Bureau of Investigation’s assistance to identify and investigate those responsible.
Continuing Operations and Future Plans
Pagcor has informed LGUs that licensed IGLs may continue their operations until the formal process for winding them down is determined and finalized.
This clarification ensures that the gaming industry and local governments are aligned with the national directive while avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
International Reaction
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Manila expressed approval of the Philippine government’s decision to ban offshore online gaming businesses, considering it a positive development.
