MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang ordered the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) to follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by order of the President issued a memorandum directing CEZA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Katrina Ponce Enrile to ensure that the ban was followed.

"Consistent with Republic Act No. 7922, also known as the 'Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995,' you are hereby instructed to adhere to the directive issued by the President during his State of the Nation Address on 22 July 2024 regarding the immediate ban of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or Internet Gaming Licensees in the Philippines, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations," Bersamin said in the memorandum.

In his State of the Nation Address in July 2024, Marcos banned all POGOs in the Philippines after reports of illegal activities such as money laundering and human trafficking in different online gambling facilities across the country.

On Nov. 5, Marcos also issued Executive Order (EO) 74 prohibiting POGOs and internet gaming licensees (IGLs) in the country.