By Gabriel Kim Leal
(November 21, 2024) – Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday claim that some government offices are advising Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to disguise as legitimate businesses such as outsourcing companies, restaurants, and karaoke bars.
In a media conference, Hontiveros revealed that some POGOs are still operating despite the executive order to ban them due to “loopholes” that may have been taken advantage of.
“May government offices na nagpapayo sa kanila (POGOs) na magbago kayo ng porma bilang simpleng BPOs (business processing outsourcing companies) lamang pero nakatago bilang POGO operations,” said Hontiveros.
Last November 8, Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. signed Executive Number (EO) No. 74 to formalize the ban on POGOs he promised during his State of the Nation Address in July.
“May loopholes pa sa EO, kaugnay (halimbawa) ng puwede pang pagpatakbo ng POGO sa loob ng casino o sa resort at napaka-importante ‘yung mga zone tulad ng CEZA (Cagayan Economic Zone Authority) at APECO (Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority) na papayagan ba magpatuloy ang POGO dun kahit wala sila sa jurisdiction ng PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.)?” added Hontiveros.
POGOs began operating in the country in 2003 but proliferated during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who described them as “clean” and “very essential” to the economy.
However, criminal activities have been associated with POGOs, including kidnapping, illegal detention, prostitution, and online scams, among others.
PAGCOR estimated that the ban on POGOs would result in a P23 billion revenue loss and the elimination of around 40,000 jobs.
Hontiveros brought up the job fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment, where many companies expressed interest in hiring individuals who previously worked in POGOs.
“Alam nilang skilled ang mga tao na ito at napilitan lang makipagsapalaran sa POGOs,” said Hontiveros. “Kailangan talaga mag-generate ng maraming disenteng trabaho para sa mga kababayan natin.”
(With reports from Maeanne Los Banos-Oroceo, News5)
(PM)
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