This is a composite image of workers for Philippine offshore gaming operators. INQUIRER file and stock photos

MANILA, Philippines — For Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the closure of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) by the end of 2024 will not have a significant impact on the Philippine economy.

“As per Neda (National Economic and Development Authority), 0.25 of 1 percent of the total GDP (gross domestic product will be affected. We don’t see a significant dent in our economy,” Remulla said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday.

READ: Remulla: PH Pogo-free by 2025, gov’t to target ‘guerilla operation

This translates to at least P20 billion per year, based on Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation data.

READ: Remulla: Drug traders use cryptocurrency to ‘hide their proceeds’

“I think that can be made up for through the other revenue-enhancing measures of the Department of Finance,” Remulla said.

Last November, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 implementing the immediate ban on Pogos in the country.

He first announced this in his third State of the Nation Address last July.

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