Philippines Senator Calls For Continued Action Against POGO Offshoots
Philippine Senator Win Gatchalian is urging continued action against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), even after the deadline for their cessation, citing concerns about their transformation into other business types.
Risks of POGO Transformation
The deadline for POGO operations to cease in the Philippines was the end of 2024, with work permits expiring on December 31st. However, Senator Gatchalian has raised concerns about POGOs potentially transforming into other business entities such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, resorts, and restaurants.
The Senator highlighted that the transformation of POGOs into other business types could lead to increased risks to society. He cited the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other agencies’ efforts to locate and deport 11,000 former POGO workers, emphasizing that these individuals pose a potential threat.
“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”, Gatchalian stated.
Call for Vigilance and Expedited Action
Gatchalian has called for continued vigilance from law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the public against POGO offshoots disguised as legitimate businesses.
“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”, he highlighted.
He also noted that the fact that these individuals have evaded deportation suggests they are involved in unlawful activities. The Senator also requested that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) expedite action against these “impostor foreigners” to curb their abusive practices in the country.
“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”.
