Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that all employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) will be required to leave the country in sixty (60) days. This action comes after the announcement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to ban all POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024. 

What is POGO?

The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, commonly referred to as POGOs, began its operation in 2003 in the Philippines. To operate legally, they are registered and licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). POGOs are an online gambling companies that offers service to customers outside of the country. It is also classified under the business processing outsourcing (BPO) sector that focuses on back-office operations. 

Why are POGOs Banned in the Philippines?

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Report identified POGOs as susceptible to money laundering, fraud, and other illicit financial activities. Over the past years, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also received reports of kidnapping and torture incidents of Chinese nationals, particularly POGO employees, by their fellow citizens. Additionally, POGOs were found to be involved in human trafficking, sexual abuse, and murder. 

What Happens to POGO Employees?

Pursuant to Section 2(d) of Executive Order No. 74, all POGOs or IGLs and other offshore gaming  services were expected to cease their operations and wind up their affairs on December 31, 2024 or earlier. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is responsible for monitoring tourism establishments and facilities to ensure that foreign individuals are not involved in POGO or IGL and other offshore gaming services. In this regard, foreign nationals who are deemed to be involved are automatically included in the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s blacklist system, meaning they will be departed from the Philippines. 

What is a Blacklist Order (BLO)?

A Blacklist Order (BLO) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which prohibits a foreign national from entering the Philippines. This Order is issued to individuals identified as  sex offenders, violators of Philippine laws, criminally convicted persons, undocumented individuals, and supporters of subversive acts, in accordance with the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613).

If a foreign national is already in the Philippines and is unaware of a BLO against them, they will be subject to deportation upon discovery of the Order. Those who are blacklisted may apply for the lifting of the order at the BI office. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer for guidance on this matter.

What are the Requirements for Lifting a Blacklist Order (BLO)?

To lift a Blacklist Order (BLO), the following documents must be submitted:

• Formal Petition Letter outlining the individual’s request to lift the blacklist;

• Affidavit of Explanation addressing the reason for being blacklisted and justification for removal;

• Copy of Deportation Order, if applicable;

• Police Clearance from the foreign national’s home country and the Philippines;

• Visa Compliance Documents, if blacklisted due to visa-related issues;

• Affidavit of No Pending Case;

• Clearance from Other Government Agencies, depending on the nature of the blacklisting; and 

• Proof of Settlement of Obligations, if blacklisting was due to any financial obligations. 

How to Lift a Blacklist Order (BLO) from Philippine Immigration?

To lift a blacklist order (BLO) in the Philippines, the individual must follow these procedures:

• File a Petition. You must file a petition for blacklist removal addressed to the Commissioner of Bureau of Immigration (BI). The petition must include the reason for being listed and a justification for removal. 

• Submission of Supporting Documents. Along with the petition, you will need to submit documents that support your case for removal. This includes evidence proving that your entry into the country was legal. 

• Payment of Fees. There are administrative fees associated with the blacklist removal process. You will be required to pay these fees after submitting your petition and supporting documents. 

• Settlement of Fines or Penalties. If the blacklisting was due to visa violations or other infractions, you must settle any outstanding fines or penalties with the BI. They will notify you if you have any outstanding fines or penalties to settle as part of the process.

• Review and Decision. After settling the penalties, the BI will review the provided documents and make a decision. The duration of this process can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

• Approval by the BI. If the BI approves your petition, you can re-enter the country. If your petition is denied, you can file a motion for reconsideration. In either case, it is crucial to secure a copy of the BI’s decision and other relevant documents to prove your legal status when dealing with immigration authorities. 

How Much Does Lifting a Blacklist Order (BLO) Cost in the Philippines?

Based on the Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2015-010, lifting a blacklist order (BLO) costs:

What Happens If I Failed to Lift My Blacklist Order (BLO)?

If you fail to lift a Blacklist Order (BLO), you will not be allowed to enter the Philippines, even applying for a new visa will be denied. Therefore, seeking legal assistance from an immigration lawyer is strongly advised. They can provide expert guidance, assist with documentation, represent you in legal proceedings, and protect your rights, thereby significantly increasing your chances of successfully lifting the blacklist order. 

Are POGO and IGL Employees Allowed to Apply for a New Visa?

Pending applications and new applications of visas for POGOs and IGLs employees will be denied by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Moreover, the BI has the list of all foreign nationals working in POGOs and IGLs, which they acquired from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). 

What are the Other Enforcement Derogatory Records in Ports of Exit?

Aside from the Blacklist Order (BLO), the following are other enforcement derogatory records in port of exit, in accordance with Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 613:

• Alert List Order (ALO) is issued against individuals with a warrant of arrest, who shall then be turned-over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 
• Watchlist Order (WLO) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to temporarily monitor individuals under preliminary criminal investigation, with pending criminal charges, or involved in activities that require monitoring. If the case progresses to the court, the WLO will be issued as an Hold Departure Order (HDO) by the Regional Court. 
• Hold Departure Order (HDO) prevents individuals from leaving the country if there is sufficient evidence suggesting they might attempt to flee before charges are filed.

If you find your name or got notified to be included on the Bureau of Immigration’s derogatory records list, seeking legal advice is highly recommended. A lawyer provides guidance, legal representation, and protection of your rights throughout the process of lifting these enforcement records.

Need further information and assistance regarding Lifting a Blacklist Order (BLO) from Philippine Immigration? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.

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