President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024. The ban, effective immediately, targets online gambling operations that cater to overseas gamblers, including Chinese mainlanders. This decision comes amid ongoing investigations by both chambers of Congress into suspected illegal activities associated with POGOs. Economic managers from both the Duterte and Marcos administrations have never supported online gambling, and there has been a growing concern about crimes linked to the industry. Senator Risa Hontiveros had hoped that Marcos would mention a ban on POGOs. The Philippine gambling regulator had plans to set up its own online casino, but these plans will now be affected by the new ban.