Key points:
- Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for continued efforts to end POGO operations
- Some POGOs are transforming into other business types
Philippines Senator Win Gatchalian has called for actions against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to continue even after the deadline has now passed for their operations to cease.
It was the end of 2024 when operations of POGOs were due to come to an end, including POGO work permits which remained valid only until 31 December 2024.
But now the Senator has warned about POGOs transforming into other business types such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, resorts, and restaurants, and has called for action to continue to ensure all POGO operations are ended in the country.
He has emphasised that by transforming into other businesses, the POGOs would lead to risks in society such as public safety, citing that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other agencies are working on locating 11,000 former POGO workers which they are looking to deport.
Gatchalian said: "More than ever, we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs. We must stay the course to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all Filipinos.
Good to know: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ban on POGOs back in July
"All law enforcement agencies, in close coordination with local government units, as well as the general public must remain vigilant against the presence of POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate business entities.
"Because they have evaded deportation, we can safely assume that these illegal aliens are onto something unlawful and vigilance of everyone is necessary to ensure that such activities are arrested and these aliens are deported as soon as possible.
"While we commend the OSG for their action, we also want to request that they expedite their action against these impostor foreigners to further curb their abusive practices in the country.”
