The ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has officially been institutionalized recently as Republic Act Number 12312 has been signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Back in July 2024, the ban on POGOs was declared and there were some economic effects that followed (click here and here). POGOs are notorious for being connected with varied forms of crime and human rights abuses. It should be noted that even though the ban was in effect, there were still POGO operations uncovered in Parañaque City (click here, here and here) which itself has been a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals for many years now.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, institutionalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations and other related activities illegal.
RA 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed by Marcos on Oct. 23, repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming operations.
“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law stated.
“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful,” it added.
RA 12312 prohibits the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; the acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations; acting as a POGO gaming content or service provider; the creation and operation of a POGO hub; and the introduction, use, or possession of POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia.
The law orders the permanent cancellation of all licenses previously issued for POGO operations.
All Alien Employment Permits and certificates of exemption and exclusion issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as any visa or work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or other visa-issuing agencies to POGO workers, have also been revoked.
“Upon the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, the BI, and other visa-issuing agencies shall not be allowed to issue any visa or work permit to any person for purposes related to offshore gaming operations,” the law stated.
“The BI shall ensure that any foreign national whose visa is cancelled in accordance with this provision shall be deported directly to the country of his or her birth or citizenship, in coordination with the appropriate embassy or consulate.”
Under RA 12312, all POGOs, as well as POGO gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked, remain liable for taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and all other charges up to the last day of their operations.
These are due and payable to the government for obligations arising from or in connection with their operations.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is directed to audit persons and entities to determine any outstanding tax liabilities, despite the revocation of licenses and closure of operations.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still POGOs or even tiny POGO-like operations still operating secretly around the country right now?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a woman who has been wanted in nearby Las Piñas City for several counts of bouncing checks, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 49-year-old woman wanted in Las Piñas for 13 counts of bouncing checks was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 28, by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section.
The suspect, identified as Vanessa, a resident of Barangay Merville, (Parañaque) City, was nabbed at around 11:40 a.m. at Big C Supermarket at the corner of Russia and Dona Soledad Streets, Parañaque City.
Police said Vanessa, ranked as the No. 10 most wanted person, was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Vladimir Berla Serohijos Daral of Las Piñas Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 123, with a recommended bail of P144,000.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you know anyone in your local community who was issued a bouncing check?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
With the Christmas season approaching, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) warned the public about the rise of smishing as criminals have changed their strategies and used more sophisticated technology to steal people’s money, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is cautioning clients about a sharp, pre-holiday surge in online banking fraud linked to smishing, noting that criminals’ tactics have evolved from simple text scams to using highly sophisticated tools to steal money.
“Consumer complaints are increasing… a lot of it is seasonal. During Christmas, when people receive their bonuses, these cases really go up,” Jon Paz, BPI enterprise information security officer and data protection officer, said during the bank’s cybersecurity roundtable with the media on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Paz reported that around eight out of 10 online banking fraud cases last year were perpetrated through smishing attacks using International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers and rogue apps.
He further noted that there were almost zero IMSI-catcher-related fraud cases in 2024, but incidents began appearing around December and skyrocketed by the second quarter of this year.
“Some of the authorities reported that those who were caught were reporting to Chinese nationals,” Paz added.
An IMSI catcher is a fake cell tower device used by scammers to intercept mobile signals and steal users’ personal and banking information.
Meanwhile, a rogue app is a malicious or fake mobile application that tricks users into granting permissions or entering credentials, allowing scammers to harvest personal and banking data.
Despite the increasing number of consumer complaints in the banking industry, Paz noted that BPI’s risk tolerance is “low—one incidence of fraud is one too many for us.”
While the bank cannot disclose its total allotment for app enhancements, BPI Chief Technology Officer Alex Seminiano stated that nearly 60 individuals are working across various functions—business, technology, and operations—to enhance the bank’s mobile app.
BPI said its mobile apps are equipped with an evolving security layer that can detect risky environments and devices, such as those that are jailbroken, use overlays, or allow side-loading, to prevent potential breaches.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that smishing will affect members of your family or those in your local community? Were you scammed online during the past six months? How many people in your local community are aware of smishing right now? Did you receive any text messages that tried to convince you to hit the link provided?
If you are in the Philippines, did you receive any suspicious calls on the telephone or on your mobile phone lately? Based on the data of an anti-scam app developer, scam calls in the country surged by more than 78% in the 3rd quarter of this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A 78.44 percent rise in scam calls was recorded in the Philippines in the third quarter of 2025, data from the latest Whoscall Scam Report of global anti-scam app developer Gogolook showed.
During the period, Whoscall said it logged a total of 62,390 scam calls, a sharp increase from 34,964 in the previous quarter.
Despite the spike, it noted that the figure remains 62.24 percent lower year-on-year than the 165,236 scam calls recorded in the same period in 2024.
Whoscall stated that it recorded 37,609 SMS scams, down by 42.17 percent from 65,035 in the previous quarter and a 97.71 percent year-on-year drop from 1,645,470 in 2024.
Gogolook Philippines Country Head and General Manager Mel Migriño said the trend indicates a behavioral shift among mobile users.
“Since the first quarter Scam Report of 2025, we have seen that Filipinos have become more cautious about clicking links from unknown numbers in SMS swindles. This shows that scammers are now shifting their tactics to calls and social media,” she said.
She explained that the rise in call scams is largely driven by fraudsters exploiting the telemarketing systems of financial institutions.
“They are taking advantage of legitimate promotional calls like credit card limit upgrades, making their scams sound more believable to unsuspecting consumers,” she noted.
Per Migriño, the continued decline in text-based scams can be credited to the “whole-of-society approach” involving law enforcement raids of major scam hubs nationwide and joint awareness campaigns.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report scam incidents through official channels.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) acting executive director Usec. Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said public reports are crucial in combating online fraud.
“We continue to urge the public to report scam incidents, as these serve as leads for further investigation and as the foundation for various initiatives that raise public awareness against online scams,” he said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think is causing the surge of scam calls over the previous quarter?
In response to the abuse of visa processes and cases of fraud committed by some foreigners, Japan recently tightened the rules for applying for the Business Manager Visa and also raised the capital requirement by six times, according to varied sources. To put things in perspective, the said visa was launched by Japan over a decade ago in order to attract foreign entrepreneurs who can contribute a lot to building up the national economy and create new jobs.
To get yourselves oriented, watch the English-language analytical news video of NHK World by clicking here. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from NHK’s English news report. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s business manager residence status, introduced a decade ago to lure entrepreneurs from overseas, has become increasingly popular. More than 41,000 people held it last year.
But concerns have grown that the status was being misused as an easy path to immigration, prompting the government to tighten rules this month – including a steep increase in capital requirements.
Worries about abuse – With the number of business manager visas issued more than doubling in ten years, worries have grown that it was being misused – a view highlighted by then-justice minister Suzuki Keisuke earlier this month.
“It was pointed out that the residential status is abused by some foreigners as a means of moving to Japan, as permit standards are lax compared to the same systems in other countries.” (Suzuki Keisuke)
How have the requirements changed? –Japan introduced this visa 10 years ago to attract foreign entrepreneurs. The goal was to boost investment and create jobs. But new rules for the visa were introduced in October.
The capital requirement was raised six-fold, from 5 million to 30 million yen. That means incoming applicants will need nearly 200,000 dollars in the bank.
The rules also require companies to hire at least one full-time employee, who must be, for example, a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.
It also requires that applicants have at least three years of business management experience or hold at least a master’s degree.
Why tighten the rules? – Authorities said the capital requirement was too low. In addition, they’ve seen a number of fraudulent applications using shell companies that aren’t actually operative in the real world.
“Someone who has no intention of engaging in business activities can obtain business manager residence status as a means of immigrating to Japan. But that is not acceptable from our viewpoint. We made these changes because we believe the previous requirements were too loose.” (Ito Junji)
Over 41,000 people had business manager residence status last year. That number has more than doubled over the last decade.
Social situation in China may be one cause of the increase – More than half of the people holding this residence status are Chinese. Of course, there are legitimate applications. But the visa has also been widely advertised on social media as a means of moving to Japan.
And some Chinese residents are looking for a way to escape their country’s harsh rules. For example, Beijing’s strict lockdown policies during the coronavirus pandemic pushed people away. And China’s high-pressure “entrance exam war” is another reason why people want to leave China. They want to raise their children in Japan to avoid that kind of pressure.
Meanwhile, The Japan News (of The Yomiuri Shimbun) published an editorial about the recent tightening of rules regarding the Business Management Visa. Posted below is an excerpt. Some parts in boldface…
A status of residence originally created to help Japan’s economic growth by accepting entrepreneur-minded foreign nationals is being abused.
The system must be changed in line with its original intent, while authorities must firmly crack down on illegal residency.
The Justice Ministry has tightened the requirements for obtaining the business manager visa, a type of residence status, by revising a ministerial ordinance under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
This type of visa was created in 2015 for foreign nationals who launch businesses in Japan. The number of business manager visa holders has continued to increase, reaching 44,800 in June this year.
In recent years, there have been cases where foreign nationals have reportedly obtained this visa fraudulently by establishing shell companies. The Immigration Services Agency investigated 300 applications suspected of fraud and found that 90% of them had irregularities such as having no actual business operations.
It is believed that the holders of this visa in those cases have come to Japan under the guise of starting businesses with their real purpose being to bring their families for advanced medical treatment or to provide their children with high-quality education. This situation where the system’s original intent is being disregarded cannot be overlooked.
Previously, the government granted this status of residence for up to five years if applicants had an office in Japan and met either of these requirements: having capital of ¥5 million or more or hiring two or more full-time employees.
Under the revised ministerial ordinance, the minimum capital requirement has been raised to ¥30 million and it is now mandatory to hire at least one full-time employee. A certain level of Japanese language ability is another new requirement.
In South Korea, obtaining a similar visa requires about ¥32 million in capital, and in the United States, about ¥15 million to ¥30 million in capital is needed. Compared to other countries, Japan’s lenient visa criteria may have contributed to the rampant abuse.
There are other areas that need to be changed. Currently, screenings for the visa have been conducted primarily through documents alone. If illegal acquisition is suspected, why not conduct interviews with the applicants in addition to on-site inspections?
It is also important to check business operations regularly after the visa is granted. To that end, strengthening the system for immigration checks is indispensable.
Some people say that because screenings of registrations for companies and other entities have been lax in the first place, shell companies have been used as covers for money laundering and other purposes. The loose screening system must be overhauled.
As you can see in the above editorial excerpt, cases of abuse and fraud were spotted by Japan’s government already. In related to the findings, watch the China Observer YouTube video below.
The China Observer video pointed out that a lot of foreigners who applied for Japan’s Business Manager Visa before were Chinese nationals. Some Chinese nationals see the said visa as a shortcut to immigration into Japan and get away from mainland China where their lives allegedly have been hard and restrictive. It is also widely reported that China has been having serious economic problems for years now.
Going back to the Japanese authorities, the changes made on the Business Manager Visa were meant to prevent further fraud from happening, to ensure that companies have substantial operational capability, and prevent the proliferation of shell companies. Along the way, the authorities want to make certain that those who applied for the visa have at least 3 years entrepreneurial experience or have a master’s degree in business management, so that the foreigners (who secretly have no intention to contribute to Japan’s economy) can be prevented from entering.
When it comes to the abuses of the Business Manager Visa, Japanese authorities discovered cases of fraud such as some small buildings in Tokyo and Osaka had as many as fifty different company names registered with the same address, and often with no real staff present. These visa-related fraud cases only add to the endless problems Japan already has. That being said, Japanese authorities did the right thing with tightening the rules and adjusting requirements for the Business Management Visa.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think that too many foreigners abused the Business Management Visa already? Did you notice any foreigners who want to migrate to Japan with a hidden agenda that would only lead to trouble? Do you think other countries should follow Japan’s example?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, two suspects were apprehended and over P1 million worth of illegal drugs were seized by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) which pulled off a successful buy-bust operation, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune report. Some parts in boldface…
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested two drug suspects tagged as newly identified high-value individuals in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay San (Dionisio), Parañaque City on Friday night.
Arrested during the operation were identified only by the alias Gie, 37; and alias Jefrey, 27–both residents of Parañaque City. The two suspects were identified as newly listed high-value individuals.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price value of P1,020,000.
The two suspects were apprehended around 9 p.m. in front of McDonald’s along Quirino Avenue, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
Seized from alias Gie were approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu, one white long envelope, one LG keypad cellular phone, and buy-bust money. Meanwhile, 50 grams of suspected shabu were seized from alias Jefrey.
The total estimated weight of the seized illegal drugs amounted to 150 grams, with an approximate street value of P1,020,000.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you thankful to the NCRPO for apprehending the suspects and seizing the illegal drugs? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal place for illegal drug handlers to do business?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a jeepney driver was apprehended by local police officers for the illegal trading of firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The arrest was the result of a successful buy-bust operation organized by the police.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Southern Police District (SPD) arrested a jeepney driver suspected of being a firearm dealer during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Friday, Oct. 17.
The suspect, identified as Jhastian, 28, was apprehended at around 1:30 a.m. on Dr. A Santos Avenue (Sucat Road), Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.
The SPD said members of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) immediately planned an entrapment operation after an informant reported the illegal sale of firearms by a certain “Puyo” and his cohorts operating in Parañaque and nearby areas.
The DSOU, together with members of the District Intelligence Division (DID), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), coordinated with the Parañaque City Police for the arrest of the suspects.
Confiscated from Jhastian were one .45-caliber pistol, one .38-caliber revolver, two magazines of .45-caliber pistol, eight rounds of ammunition for both firearms, a small navy-blue backpack, and one black NOKIA keypad cellphone.
Police said further investigation and coordination are underway to determine the suspect’s possible involvement in other cases of illegal firearms trading across Metro Manila.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal trade of firearms could be rampant in the city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of a big-time drug pusher and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth almost P7 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation that resulted in the confiscation of P6.8 million worth of shabu on Oct. 14 in Parañaque City.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Salvador. He was nabbed at around 5:15 a.m. on San Lusi Street in Sitio Fatima Valley 6.
Members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) launched an entrapment operation against the suspect, who was classified as a big-time drug pusher.
Police said the suspect initially sold 50 grams of shabu worth P340,000 to an undercover operative. During the subsequent search, five more plastic sachets containing 950 grams of shabu valued at P6,460,000.00 were seized from him.
The operatives also recovered the buy-bust money, a brown paper bag, a green eco-bag, and a black weighing scale used in the illegal drug trade.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what do you makes the city a hot spot of illegal drug trafficking and pushing?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Japan now has a new Prime Minister and her name is Sanae Takaichi (Takaichi Sanae for those who communicate in Japanese) and already her administration has been formed. Prime Minister Takaichi is a strongly conservative woman who not only has friendship with US President Donald Trump, but also met the late Margaret Thatcher who is her main inspiration for conservative governance and leadership. Being conservative, her loyalty to her people and nation is uncompromising and she intends to preserve the Japanese culture and ways while other nations of the world gave in to illegal immigration, Islamic terrorists and woke ideology.
To get yourselves oriented with the new Prime Minister of Japan, watch the selected videos below.
Shortly after taking office, an official statement was released by the Prime Minister which you can read in English below.
Today, I was designated as the nation’s Prime Minister, and a new Cabinet has been inaugurated. Bolstered by a strong and unwavering belief in the latent power and vitality of Japan and the Japanese people, I will dedicate myself completely to discharging my duty of forging a path for Japan’s future.
I will work resolutely for the sake of our nation and the Japanese people, filled with the determination to press ahead tenaciously under any circumstances. I will strive to build a strong economy, turning people’s unease and apprehension over their current lives and the future into hope, and I will deal with the challenges facing the international community as I embark on restoring Japanese diplomacy that flourishes on the world’s center stage.
I ask the Japanese people for their understanding and cooperation as I take these responsibilities upon myself.
Prime Minister Takaichi has already formed her cabinet and the stock market jumped sharply in response to her election. Takaichi was first elected to the Diet (Japan’s Parliament) in 1993 and she went on to serve for decades notably under the administration of the late Shinzo Abe. Clearly she is very experienced as a public servant.
A younger Takaichi with former British Prime Minister and conservative icon Margaret Thatcher many years ago. (photo source – Nikkei Asia)
The new Prime Minister also declared that Japan will NOT take in Islamists and illegal immigrants. This is a strong stance that I admire in Takaichi. Illegal immigration is a global disease that leads to worsening crime, failed multiculturalism and a series of problems for citizens. Islamists meanwhile are focused on migrating in great numbers to new countries believing they can overwhelm the locals, spread violence and hatred, and then destroy the local societies and cultures with the intention to replace them with their own.
In my experience, I visited Japan as a tourist. I admired Japan for its rich culture, its conservative ways, long lasting traditions and how their people lived with discipline and harmony. I certainly do not want illegal immigration and Islamization to ruin Japan. In fact, wokeness and political correctness are diseases and they will never make Japan better. That said, it is only right that Takaichi took office as Prime Minister.
The woke, the Satanic Leftists, the unhinged rabid feminists, the diversity extremists, the illegal immigration extremists and the LGBTQ mob can always keep on condemning PM Takaichi all they want (note: they have been doing it since Takaichi was elected president of her party weeks ago) but Japan does not really have to bow to them nor does it need to follow their evil ideologies. Takaichi has a nation to rebuild, an economy to revive and a lot of fellow Japanese people to take care of.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you hope to see in Japan under the leadership of Prime Minister Takaichi? Did you see archive photos of Takaichi personally meeting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a 22-year-old man for his involvement in the illegal trade of firearms and robbery holdup incidents, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Police nabbed a 22-year-old man involved in the illegal trading of firearms and robbery holdup during the conduct of a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.
The suspect was identified as Marco, a resident of Seaside Square, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. He was arrested at the parking area of Andres Pares and Budbod Restaurant located along Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque City.
Members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (DSOU), in coordination with the District Intelligence Division (DID), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), and Parañaque City Police, conducted a joint buy-bust operation for the arrest of Marco after an informant reported the suspect’s involvement in illegal sale of firearm trading and a series of robbery-holdup incidents.
Police recovered from the suspect one caliber 9mm Armscor pistol, one magazine loaded with two live rounds, the buy-bust money, and one black sling bag where the firearm was placed.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that robbery holdup incidents will grow worse in the city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 