The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will look into whether or not the recently implemented visa-free entry model for Chinese visitors is being exploited to reestablish POGO activities, according to an announcement by the President Palace
As per local media reports, Malacañang revealed this week that the matter has been referred to the DFA following a series of raids on suspected illegal POGO hubs. Of 101 nationals set to be deported as a result of those raids, 82 are Chinese nationals who entered under the visa-free arrangement.
“Because of that, I have already raised with the DFA the possible issues concerning visa-free entry for our Chinese friends,” said Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro.
“The DFA will look into the issues and determine whether the arrangement is having adverse effects, particularly whether it is being exploited to commit crimes in the Philippines.”
The investigation comes despite calls for the visa-free program to be expanded. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said last month that she wanted the program, currently in place for arrivals through Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, to be offered through more gateways, including Clark Freeport Zone, after reporting a significant growth in visitation from China in 2026.
The POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Industry) was officially banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr effective 1 January 2027 following a dramatic rise in criminal activity, specifically trafficking, kidnappings and various scam operations linked to illegal POGOs. Although the POGO scheme was launched to make the Philippines a hub for licensed offshore gaming, it was instead widely used as cover for a raft of illegal activity.
Castro stated this week that President Marcos was intent on eliminating any new or lingering POGO operations
“If there are illegal POGO operations, we know that the Philippine National Police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, are taking action,” she said.
“The president’s order is to crack down on smuggling. Whatever illegal activities are being carried out in Philippine territory must be identified, and those responsible must be held accountable. Authorities must not stop until these criminal activities are completely eradicated.”
RelatedPosts
