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POGO probe on; Chiz rejects Guo apology
By Nidz Godino
“There is no reason not to continue that, because that is guarantee that what President Marcos said during SONA , that POGO has been banned and that remaining legal POGOs will wind down will be realized,” Senate President Francis Escudero said. despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. order to ban Philippine offshore gaming operations, Senate will continue its investigation into POGO-related crimes, including alleged scamming and human trafficking in their hubs.
In an interview with reporters, Escudero said Senate probe would guarantee implementation of President’s orders contained in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said safety nets should be put in place for Filipino workers in POGO industry who will be displaced by ban.
“We will ensure that legislating total ban on POGOs will include provision for safety nets for workers who would be adversely affected by ban,” said Gatchalian, chair of Senate committee on ways and means, recently conducted public hearing on proposed ban on all POGOs.
In re-creating Philippine economy without POGOs as source of income, the senator said government needs to lay down transitory mechanisms, such as employment of affected Filipino nationals, saying welfare of workers currently working for the industry should be looked after.
Based on data provided by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) submitted by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, total of 25,064 Filipinos are employed by various POGOs operating in the country as of 2023. This accounts for 52.2 percent share of local workers in terms of POGO employment, compared to 22,915 foreign workers working for the industry.
“Safety nets for POGO workers would include upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that they can have replacement jobs as soon as possible,” Gatchalian said.
Expressing support for proposed legislation to ban POGO operations in the country, DOLE Undersecretary Felipe Egargo said department is prepared to implement programs intended to aid POGO workers as soon as necessary.
Meanwhile, suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Escudero over her earlier remarks, seemingly dictated on, and reprimanded, senators for ongoing Senate probe on her alleged involvement with POGOs.
Escudero, however, refused to accept Guo’s apology unless she shows up and honors subpoena and warrant of arrest issued by Senate in connection with investigation of committee on women, children and family affairs on alleged scamming and human trafficking.
Panel is set to conduct next hearing on July 29.
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