The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a warning that up to 22,000 jobs could be lost in Metro Manila if the government proceeds with its plan to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma highlighted concerns following inspections of legally operating POGO firms in the National Capital Region (NCR) last year, which revealed the significant impact a ban would have on local employment.
Laguesma emphasized the challenges of shutting down legitimate POGO operations, noting that this move would affect both Filipino and foreign workers. He also mentioned illegal POGO hubs in Central Luzon, which operate without registration with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The DOLE has programs in place to support affected workers if their companies are closed, though assistance would be difficult for those employed in unregistered POGOs. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the POGO ban is causing concern among investors and senior management.
In related developments, investigations by the House of Representatives are underway regarding Chinese nationals employed in illegal POGO firms, linked to criminal activities such as drug smuggling and money laundering. Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has called for reforms to the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) program, citing exploitation by criminal elements to establish operations in the Philippines.
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