Comelec will allow public access to certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 elections, starting October 8, 2024, to promote transparency in the process. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines has announced that it will provide open access to the certificates of candidacy (COCs) of all aspiring elective officials. This change is set to take effect as candidates for the May 2025 elections begin to file their documents, a process that started on October 8, 2024. The public will now have the opportunity to verify candidates’ information, a step aimed at increasing transparency in the electoral process. Comelec Chair George Garcia explained that this decision follows an investigation into the case of Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Guo was dismissed from her position after it was revealed that she was allegedly a Chinese citizen. This investigation prompted Comelec to act proactively to ensure that foreign nationals do not run for public office. “The Comelec saw it proper, for the first time, because of our experience in Tarlac,” Garcia was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer . “We admit that there’s no additional law on the filing of candidacy, but the Comelec had to act, to be proactive.” He emphasized the importance of allowing public scrutiny of candidates’ COCs, which contain essential information, including full names, dates and places of birth, residency details, civil status, and professions. Under the new guidelines, the Comelec plans to upload all COCs, as well as certificates of nominations (Conas) for political party candidates and certificates of acceptance for party list nominations (Con-Cans) onto its website within the next two weeks. “At least, [with the online posting], our countrymen will no longer be misinformed,” Garcia remarked. He views this initiative as a demonstration of transparency that will empower voters. Historically, these documents were only accessible by request from Comelec’s main or local offices. The recent Comelec Resolution No. 11045, adopted on August 28, outlines the implementation of this new public access policy. The posting of COCs is scheduled to begin on October 18, in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. Sensitive information, such as candidates’ exact addresses, email addresses, and signatures, will be redacted from the public documents. As of now, Comelec has received more than 43,000 COCs from individuals aspiring to various elective positions. This includes 183 individuals who have filed for the Senate and 155 out of 160 eligible party-list groups that submitted their Con-Cans. Preliminary reports indicate that 573 individuals filed COCs for 254 House seats, with many others vying for various local positions. Garcia highlighted that the Comelec is ready to handle petitions against candidates. Within 25 days of the conclusion of the COC filing period, registered voters or political parties can file petitions to cancel or deny the candidacy of any candidate based on specific grounds. These grounds include lack of qualifications, failure to submit required financial statements, or engaging in illegal campaign activities. For instance, if a candidate is found to have provided false information in their COC, they could face disqualification. Garcia noted that candidates could still appeal to the Supreme Court if disqualified. This avenue for appeal could result in a restraining order against the Comelec’s decision, provided it occurs before the printing of ballots. The issue of foreign nationals running for office has gained attention, especially with the recent investigations revealing discrepancies regarding citizenship. Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) stated that they are looking into reports of Chinese nationals holding local government positions. However, he emphasized the need for thorough validation before drawing conclusions. “During the course of the Senate investigation, it was discovered that there were over a thousand Chinese nationals who acquired new identities in one of the birth certification registration centers here,” Cruz reported. This revelation points to a potential loophole in the system that could allow foreign nationals to claim Filipino citizenship. Senator JV Ejercito has also raised concerns about the implications of these findings. He called for greater vigilance to prevent foreign nationals from running for office in the future. “This should be a wake-up call for us to be more strict… we have to put a plug in these holes so it won’t happen again,” he stated, stressing the importance of thorough vetting of candidates. Fresh allegations have also surfaced regarding Alice Guo’s candidacy, suggesting that her election bid in 2022 was allegedly arranged by Chinese state security. These claims came during a Senate hearing on Philippine offshore gaming operators. Guo has consistently denied these allegations, asserting her Filipino identity. Guo, who is believed to be a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, was also tagged as a “ Chinese spy ” in an Al Jazeera documentary. In response to the ongoing concerns, Senate President Francis Escudero urged Senator Ejercito to report any suspected foreign candidates to the Comelec. He stated, “If he has doubts, Senator JV should inform the Comelec so it could look into it.” This highlights a growing consensus among lawmakers about the need for stricter oversight in the electoral process. As the country approaches the May 2025 elections, the Comelec’s move to provide open access to COCs marks a significant shift towards transparency. By allowing the public to scrutinize candidates’ qualifications, the commission aims to foster a more informed electorate and reduce the likelihood of foreign influence in local governance. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has warned the public about “ POGO politics ” which stems from Chinese criminal syndicates that could be influencing political candidates and funding their campaigns.

PRA Chair Alexander Lopez, linked to a POGO in a love scam case, is a sublessor to the raided 3D Analyzer. His ties raise concerns about POGO operations and oversight. The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is facing scrutiny after it was revealed that its chairman, Atty. Alexander Lopez, is linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company involved in alleged love scam operations. Lopez, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is a sublessor to 3D Analyzer Information Technologies Inc., which was recently raided by authorities. This revelation raises questions about the governance and oversight of POGO operations in the Philippines. Lopez, in his role as chairman and CEO of Pacific Concrete Products Inc., has been leasing the ground floor of a property owned by the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) to 3D Analyzer since January 2024. According to a sublease contract obtained by Rappler , the property is under a 25-year lease held by Lopez’s company. At the time of the lease, President Marcos had already announced a ban on POGOs , casting doubt on the legality and ethics of Lopez’s arrangement. In a phone interview, Pacific Concrete’s counsel, Aldo Del Rosario, confirmed the sublease and highlighted that 3D Analyzer is just one of many sublessees. “Our company has been established since 1959. We are a Quadruple A contractor,” Del Rosario stated, distancing the company from the recent allegations against 3D Analyzer. However, he also acknowledged that the legal and operational responsibilities of the lessee fall solely on the lessee. The situation escalated after 3D Analyzer, which obtained an Internet Gaming License in September 2023, was found to have misled the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) about its operational status. Despite claiming to have ceased operations, the company continued to hire new employees. “Niloko nila yung Pagcor, sabi nila hindi na sila operational,” said Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). (They fooled PAGCOR, claiming they were non-operational.) A joint operation involving the PAOCC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on October 3 uncovered troubling evidence of love scams at the POGO site. Authorities discovered pre-registered SIM cards, multiple phones per worker, and numerous open windows for secure messaging apps. These findings pointed to an organized effort to exploit foreign nationals. 3D Analyzer’s corporate structure is primarily composed of Filipinos, with one Chinese individual registered as Filipino with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Del Rosario defended the legitimacy of 3D Analyzer, asserting that the company had presented the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. “Yung mga na-raid dati yung mga illlegal , di ba, yung mga walang permit, but 3D Analyzer showed business permits,” he said. (The ones raided before were the illegal ones, those without permits.) Despite having the appropriate permits, the timing of the raid raised eyebrows. POGO operations had been banned by President Marcos, yet 3D Analyzer continued its activities unabated. During the raid, 254 workers were apprehended, including 190 foreigners who were found to be violating immigration laws. The PAOCC has stated its commitment to pursuing those involved in the operations. Casio expressed concerns about the operation’s blatant disregard for the law. “When we got there, we saw in the IDs that they were just new hires,” he noted. “There was really no plan by 3D Analyzer to stop operations, so we are going after them.” In light of the president’s announcement regarding the POGO ban, Del Rosario claimed that they had reached out to 3D Analyzer to ensure compliance. However, he reported that the company did not respond to their inquiries. “Yes, we sent them a letter reiterating President Marcos’ statement during his State of the Nation Address that POGOs should wind down by December 2024… unfortunately no [they did not answer],” he said. This situation not only raises questions about the operational integrity of POGO companies but also about the role of government officials who may be complicit or unaware of ongoing illegal activities. Lopez’s dual role as a government appointee and a businessman connected to a POGO raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Senator JV Ejercito has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that foreign nationals do not exploit loopholes in the law. He pointed out that the ongoing investigations into these operations serve as a wake-up call for stricter regulations. “This should be a wake-up call for us to be more strict,” he said.

The House Quad Committee cited Mylah Roque, wife of Harry Roque, in contempt and ordered her arrest for missing POGO hearings, where she and her husband face scrutiny. The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) cited in contempt and ordered the arrest of Mylah Roque, the wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. This decision stems from her repeated failure to attend hearings related to the investigation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), an area where the couple has faced scrutiny. During the committee meeting on October 11, 2024, Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop moved for Mylah Roque’s arrest after she had ignored multiple invitations to appear before the panel. “May I respectfully move that because Madam Mylah Roque has been cited in contempt by this committee, may I move to issue an arrest order,” Acop stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in the inquiry. The move to cite Mylah Roque in contempt was initiated by Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano. “Since we have given Ms. Roque the due process with regards to this, supposedly her presence, in the hearing, I move to cite in contempt Ms. Roque,” he was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network . QuadComm lead chairperson, Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, noted that Mylah Roque had failed to attend the hearings three times, despite the committee’s attempts to engage her. The committee had previously issued a subpoena, but they reported receiving no response from her. Mylah Roque’s absence from the hearings is particularly concerning as the QuadComm seeks to investigate her involvement in signing a lease agreement with Chinese nationals linked to a POGO complex in Bamban, Tarlac. The committee’s inquiry aims to shed light on potential irregularities and illegal activities associated with POGOs, a topic that has drawn significant public attention and controversy. In a late September Facebook post, Mylah Roque indicated that she had traveled to Singapore for medical treatment. However, the committee rejected her medical certificates as valid justification for her absence. She criticized Barbers in her post, labeling him “an abusive individual” for connecting her to the illegal operations of POGOs. The ongoing inquiry into POGOs has also put Harry Roque  under scrutiny. He was cited in contempt and ordered detained by the QuadComm on September 13 for failing to submit requested documents that could clarify his financial dealings. The former Cabinet official has consistently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the committee’s requests are irrelevant to the inquiry. Harry Roque has described the QuadComm hearings as a “political inquisition” aimed at him and his connections to the Duterte administration. He has stated, “What crime did I commit? File the appropriate charges in the proper court of law.” Roque expressed frustration over what he views as a violation of his privacy and the potential harm to his family due to the ongoing investigations.

ICONIC21 launches Blackjack 360, a fast-paced, fully animated RNG blackjack game with customizable features for operators to tailor gameplay to player preferences. ICONIC21, the in-demand iGaming content provider, has launched a new blackjack title with high levels of personalisation for operators to customise the game and meet their player preferences.   Blackjack 360 is a dynamic, RNG-powered, seven-seat game designed for speed, strategy and community play. While there is no presenter, it is fully animated with smooth card graphics and an intuitive interface for a sleek and modern blackjack experience.  Players get to join a seven-seat table and play alongside others, bringing a real-world blackjack feel to their smartphone, tablet or computer.  Game rounds are super quick to keep the action and excitement flowing, making Blackjack 360 perfect for those who love edge-of-the-seat gameplay. They can also enjoy lower bet limits and accessible stakes, but within a premium blackjack experience.  The game also follows a full day cycle with four different table themes: Sunrise - low stakes, perfect for early risers and casual players. Midday - standard stakes for those who like to play at peak hours. Sunset - higher stakes as the intensity rises. Midnight - highest stakes action for players seeking the ultimate thrill. Blackjack 360 has been built for those who want a game that reflects their brand, right down to the finest detail. From the backdrop to the table design, logo on the cards and even the button to place a bet, every element can be shaped to create an immersive, fully customised experience.  Whether it’s the look, the feel or the gameplay itself, Blackjack 360 is flexible and can be adjusted to fit any operator branding, requirements and player preferences.  Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, said: “No two casinos are the same, so why should their blackjack tables be? That is the philosophy behind Blackjack 360, and we are thrilled to have created a game that offers so much customisation for our operator partners.  “Blackjack 360 is offering fast gameplay and a true community feel. It’s perfect for players who want quick rounds, who want to take multiple seats, enjoy low-limit stakes, and experience the classic seven-seat blackjack action. By customising the game to their own style and branding, operators can unlock even more value and deliver an experience tailored to their players' preferences.”  “This is a really strong addition to our growing content portfolio, and we look forward to working with operators to tailor Blackjack 360 to ensure it hits the mark with their players round after round.” Read related article: Peter & Sons launches Steamworks - Gears of Fortune

The Ombudsman suspended Porac Mayor, Vice Mayor, and 8 councilors over alleged negligence in POGO operations, amid growing concerns about POGO-linked crimes. The Office of the Ombudsman has taken action against the local government of Porac town in Pampanga, suspending Porac Mayor Jaime Capil, Vice Mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, and eight councilors for their alleged negligence concerning the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). This move underscores the ongoing investigations into POGO-linked crimes that have been a growing concern in the region. The suspension order, signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, also includes Emerald Vital, the licensing assistant and acting officer-in-charge of the Business and Licensing Office. The implicated officials will face a six-month suspension without pay, starting immediately. The Ombudsman’s decision aims to hold local leaders accountable for their inaction and failure to regulate POGO operations adequately. According to the Ombudsman’s announcement, which was reported by GMA Network , the order is enforceable without delay. It emphasizes that any motions, appeals, or petitions filed by the suspended officials will not halt the implementation of this suspension unless otherwise directed by the Ombudsman or a competent court. The backdrop to this suspension involves ongoing scrutiny over the proliferation of crimes linked to POGO operations in Porac and neighboring Bamban, Tarlac. Reports of illegal activities and regulatory non-compliance have raised alarm among local residents and law enforcement agencies alike. GMA News Online attempted to reach Mayor Capil for comments, but as of now, there has been no response from his office. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been particularly vocal about the alleged failures of the Porac local officials. They claim that the mayor and the council members demonstrated gross neglect of duty. Key issues cited include the issuance of business permits to Lucky South 99 , a POGO firm, despite the company’s failure to meet essential regulatory requirements. Specifically, the DILG pointed out several critical oversights: 1. The issuance of Mayor’s Business Permits for Lucky South 99 for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 occurred without the required prior approvals. 2. The company’s license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) had expired. 3. The Porac Business Permit and Licensing Office issued a certification stating that Lucky South 99 lacked a business permit for 2024. 4. There was no Letter of No Objection (LONO) for the continued operation of Lucky South 99 as a POGO. 5. Reports from the Philippine National Police documented suspected criminal activities occurring on the premises of Lucky South 99. The DILG emphasized the responsibility of local officials to safeguard the welfare of the community. They criticized the council for failing to enact necessary ordinances or resolutions aimed at preventing criminal activities linked to the POGO operations. The DILG noted that aside from a LONO resolution from November 2019, there had been little oversight or monitoring of Lucky South 99’s activities.

Explore Wang Shuiming’s rise in the Philippine gambling industry, his criminal network, and his role in offshore gaming and money laundering. Research unearthed the role of Chinese businessman Wang Shuiming in the Philippines, as he mounted a gambling empire in the country before leaving a trail of financial crimes across Southeast Asia.  Early Days in the Philippines Chinese businessman Wang Shuiming built a massive gambling empire in the Philippines before fleeing, leaving a trail of financial crimes across Southeast Asia. According to China-based Qingliu Studio, Wang arrived in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013. He saw an opportunity in the country’s booming online gambling market. Industry insiders called him "Ming Da" or "Da Ming Zong." As one of the first Fujianese entrepreneurs in the sector, he recognized the potential early and moved quickly to take advantage. Building a Gambling Empire By 2016, Wang's gambling network had grown fast. He controlled several online gaming platforms and employed over 10,000 people, including IT staff, finance teams, and marketing specialists. His payroll topped 100 million yuan (PHP793 million) each month. More Fujianese operators followed Wang to the Philippines, expanding his influence. His platforms primarily targeted Chinese players and exploited offshore loopholes to bypass China’s strict gambling laws. His platforms mainly served Chinese players, taking advantage of offshore loopholes to bypass China’s strict gambling laws. Breaking the Rules Although the Philippines had a licensing system for offshore gaming (POGOs), Wang repeatedly violated the regulations. As authorities tightened oversight in 2019, he moved to Singapore. Even after leaving, he kept strong business ties in the Philippines through real estate and partnerships. Hiding Money and Expanding Abroad In Singapore, Wang set up shell companies to hide his gambling profits. He moved money through offshore accounts and bought properties worldwide to cover his tracks while law enforcement struggled to catch him.  Authorities finally caught up with Wang in Montenegro. He was arrested while attempting to travel using a fake passport. Wang played a major role in shaping offshore gambling in the Philippines. His rise mirrored the rapid growth of offshore gaming operations in the country, which later faced heavy scrutiny from both Philippine and Chinese authorities.  The Philippines was just his starting point, but his operations—and the problems they created—spread far beyond its borders. Read related article:   Asia's Most Notorious Gambling Kingpin Arrested

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The Philippine government targets both legal and illegal POGOs, with 58-200 still active. An illegal POGO hub in Moalboal was raided despite President Marcos Jr.'s POGO ban. The Philippine government is ramping up efforts to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) across the country, with a focus on both legal and illegal operations. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced on Wednesday that between 58 and 200 POGOs are still active, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a POGO ban  during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) two months ago. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio confirmed that the agency is taking the president’s directive seriously. “Marami pa rin kaming natatanggap na mga report na nagpapatuloy pa ata itong mga iligal na POGO,” he said during an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.  He emphasized the urgency of closing down all operations by the end of the year. “Dapat by the end of the year, wala na lahat ‘yan,” he added. As part of the wind-down process, Casio stated that all POGOs should transition to purely administrative functions by October 16. “Mapa-legal or iligal man, dapat nagsasara na talaga sila,” he reiterated. The PAOCC is in discussions with the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PAGCOR to ensure that both legal and illegal POGOs comply with the shutdown order. However, challenges remain, especially regarding administrative matters like settling dues to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and any potential severance pay for employees. Before the ban, estimates indicated that between 58 and 400 POGOs were operational in the country, both legal and illegal. This regulatory action follows the Bureau of Immigration’s recent reminder to foreign POGO workers to downgrade their visas before the October 15 deadline. Over 10,000 foreign workers have begun this process, allowing them to switch to temporary visitor visas, which will let them remain in the country for up to 59 days while they wind down their affairs. The Bureau has warned that failure to comply by December 31 could result in deportation or blacklisting. In a related effort, new Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has pledged to ensure all POGOs cease operations by December, aligning with the president’s directive. The government’s crackdown on POGOs has not been without incidents; recently, law enforcement in Cebu raided what appeared to be an illegal POGO hub in Moalboal, a popular diving destination in southwestern Cebu. On October 9, police raided a rental establishment in Barangay Saavedra, leading to the apprehension of 38 undocumented Chinese nationals engaged in POGO activities. The police reported that the operation was initiated after receiving tips about suspicious activities at the site. During the raid, numerous computers and electronic devices were confiscated. The arrested individuals are currently being held at a nearby resort while investigations continue. This latest operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in policing the gaming sector in the Philippines. Just a month earlier, the PAOCC had shut down another illegal POGO hub in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, rescuing 162 victims of human trafficking in the process. These incidents underline the complexity of the POGO landscape , where illegal activities often intertwine with legitimate operations, complicating enforcement efforts.

Alice Guo, linked to illegal POGO operations, announces she will not seek reelection as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, in the 2025 midterm elections. Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, a suspected Chinese national linked to illegal POGO operations, has announced that she will not seek to reclaim her position as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. During the Senate investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the former mayor stated that her priority is to clear her name before considering a political comeback. “Hindi po [ako tatakbo]—haharapin ko po muna yung mga accusations sa akin,” Guo told Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. “Lilinisin ko po muna yung aking sarili para maging fair po sa mga minamahal kong constitutents.” (I will not run—I need to confront the accusations against me first. I want to ensure my integrity for the sake of my beloved constituents.” This statement follows a week after her attorney, Atty. Stephen David, indicated that she intended to file for reelection. Currently, Guo is facing multiple charges, including money laundering , graft and corruption, and human trafficking, among others. She has also been tagged as a “Chinese spy”  in an Al Jazeera documentary. The Inquirer  cited the former Tarlac mayor as saying: “I know many of you want me to file candidacy for mayor in our town next year. I hope you understand my decision to postpone this. This doesn’t mean that I’ll leave you, maybe we’ll have more time to spend with you again. I believe God has a special way of doing things.” Chinese nationals use Pinoys as dummy owners The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has uncovered that several hectares of fish ponds in Sual, Pangasinan, are owned by Chinese nationals allegedly tied to illegal POGO operations. One of the individuals identified is Alice Guo. PAOCC Chief Gilbert Cruz reported that Guo purchased two fish cages spanning approximately four hectares in January 2024. “Upon investigating Alice Guo’s properties, we found that she owns two fish ponds and fish cages in Sual,” Cruz stated during an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel . This revelation raises questions about the intersection of illegal gaming activities and legitimate businesses in the region. The PAOCC reported that 16 other Chinese nationals own fish cages in the municipality, some controlling as many as 50 cages. These individuals reportedly use Filipinos as dummy owners to circumvent regulations. Cruz explained that to own a single fish cage, a capital investment of around PHP1 million is required. “Fifty cages will cost PHP50 million. We can investigate the Chinese names we saw,” he added, indicating the scale of the operations. In Barangays Baquerin and Kabalentian in Sual, authorities discovered a total of 1,500 fish cages. Alarmingly, local laws permit only 750 cages in the area, suggesting a significant violation of regulations. The PAOCC is currently investigating the issuance of permits for these additional cages, which raises further questions about oversight and compliance. The link between illegal POGO activities and agricultural investments could have serious implications for food security in the Philippines. The PAOCC suggests that profits generated from illegal offshore gaming operations may be funneled into the purchase of agricultural land and assets, such as the fish ponds in Sual. The involvement of foreign nationals in crucial sectors like agriculture complicates the situation further. The use of dummy owners to mask foreign investment undermines local laws designed to protect the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and fishers. With illegal gaming operations already straining law enforcement and regulatory frameworks, the infiltration of organized crime into agriculture poses a unique challenge for the Philippine government. The relationship between Guo and Sual Mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay has come under scrutiny from senators, who are keen to investigate the extent of their connections. In the past, Guo denied having any romantic relationship  with Calugay. During the Senate probe, Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed that Calugay might have been involved in Guo’s escape from the Philippines.

Bloomberry reports a 6% rise in Gross Gaming Revenue to P61.7B in 2024, driven by Solaire Resort North, despite a decline in SEC's VIP segment. Read the full financial update. The Philippines’ Bloomberry Resorts   posted strong revenue growth in 2024, which was offset by a sharp decline in profits the same year, according to their filing with the Securities and Exchanges Commission.  According to the filing, Bloomberry’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by 6% to PHP 61.7 billion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) in 2024, up from PHP 58.3 billion (approximately USD 1.04 billion) in 2023. Solaire Resort North’s opening in May 2024  largely contributed to this growth, according to Bloomberry’s SEC filing. Amidst these financial shifts, Bloomberry also recently announced a change in its leadership, with Greg Hawkins as the Chief Operating Officer . Non-gaming revenue also showed strong growth, increasing 23% year-over-year to P10.7 billion (approximately USD 191 million). This points to more guests spending money on hotels, food, and entertainment options beyond gambling. In Q4 2024, Bloomberry saw positive trends in some areas. Consolidated GGR grew 17% year-over-year to P16.2 billion (approximately USD 289 million), while consolidated net revenue increased 22% to P14.6 billion (approximately USD 261 million). EBITDA edged up by 1% to P4.0 billion (approximately USD 71 million). Despite this revenue growth, Bloomberry's profits took a major hit in 2024. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) fell 14% to PHP 16.6 billion (approximately USD 296 million) from PHP 19.3 billion (approximately USD 345 million) in 2023. Net income dropped 73% to PHP 2.6 billion (approximately USD 46 million) from PHP 9.5 billion (approximately USD 170 million) the previous year. The company also reported a net loss of P920.2 million (approximately USD 16.4 million), compared to a P1.3 billion (approximately USD 23.2 million) profit in Q4 2023. Several factors to this profit decline included higher expenses related to running the new Solaire North property, increased depreciation costs for the new resort, higher interest expenses from loans taken for expansion, and a one-time tax charge of P706.3 million (approximately USD 12.6 million). Solaire North’s Role In Bloomberry’s Financial Growth Despite the drop in revenue, newly opened Solaire Resort North became a key generator for Bloomberry, generating PHP 8.4 billion (approximately USD 150 million) in GGR during its first 221 days. The property saw strong mass gaming revenue, with P3.7 billion (approximately USD 66 million) from table games and P4.5 billion (approximately USD 80 million) from electronic gaming. Despite startup costs, it contributed P1.3 billion (approximately USD 23.2 million) in EBITDA. Jeju Sun Resort & Casino in South Korea remained a minor contributor, recording P44 million (approximately USD 786,000) in GGR. However, this represented a 42% year-over-year growth. Despite the improvement, the property continues to operate at a loss. To strengthen its financial position, Bloomberry revalued its land assets, adding P28.7 billion (approximately USD 512 million) to total equity. Additionally, the company secured a P40 billion (approximately USD 714 Million) refinancing deal in February 2025, aimed at reducing interest costs. Mass Gaming Now The Focus Bloomberry is now looking at mass gaming and non-revenue sources for profits, seeking to create more stable income streams as the VIP segment at the original Solaire location continues to decline. Future Challenges And Opportunities Bloomberry faces several challenges moving forward, including the declining VIP business at the original Solaire location, managing higher costs from the new Solaire North resort, and handling increased interest and depreciation expenses that affect net income. It also remains to be seen how new leadership will impact Solaire’s future. However, the company also has growth opportunities through further market growth in northern Metro Manila with Solaire North, expanding non-gaming revenue sources, and building on the strong performance of mass gaming segments. Read related article:   Solaire Operator Plans to Launch Gaming App by 2025 Q3

Over 10,000 foreign POGO workers are downgrading their visas in response to the Philippine government's move to phase out POGO operations in the country. Over 10,000 foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have initiated the process to downgrade their work visas. This action comes in response to a directive from the Philippine government aimed at phasing out POGO operations in the country. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on October 7, 2024 that this figure represents more than 25 percent of the total 38,773 foreign POGO workers documented by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as of October 1. The government has emphasized the urgency of the visa downgrading process. “We are expediting the downgrading process to comply with the President’s directive,” Joel Viado, the new BI commissioner, was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer . The spokesperson urged POGO workers to file their applications as early as possible to avoid any complications during this transition period. Visa downgrading effectively changes a foreign national’s work visa to a temporary visitor visa. This allows the individual to legally remain in the Philippines for up to 59 days. During this time, they can settle their affairs before leaving the country. The timeline is particularly critical, as the 59-day period aligns with the government’s POGO ban , announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July. The President has directed that all foreign POGO workers must leave the Philippines by the end of the year. In light of the closure of POGO operations, the Philippine government has formed an interagency task force to coordinate efforts. This task force includes key agencies such as the BI, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PAGCOR, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. The BI has also streamlined the procedures for visa downgrading. This simplification aims to ensure that foreign POGO workers comply promptly. “We have left no room for delays in compliance,” the BI stated. Workers who do not adhere to the directive and fail to leave the country by December 31 could face deportation proceedings and may be blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines. The decision to ban POGO operations stems from serious concerns regarding the involvement of many workers in illicit activities. President Marcos highlighted issues such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and even murder associated with the industry.