The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has confirmed its commitment to implementing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within the country.
In an interview on Dos Por Dos Tuesday, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco reiterated his previous statements made to both the Senate and Congress, assuring that the agency will comply with the President's order. PAGCOR has a six-month period to review and address the situation comprehensively.
Tengco also addressed the implications of the ban on employment. With POGOs employing over 40,000 direct workers, the Department of Labor and Employment and economic managers are collaborating to support employees as they transition out of their roles.
In addition to these direct employees, numerous indirect workers such as drivers, messengers, and security personnel will be affected.
Notably, Tengco highlighted that the POGO sector includes significant Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies. These BPO firms, which collectively hold nearly 9,000 operating licenses, provide essential customer service functions but are not directly involved in gaming operations.
Furthermore, Tengco cited a property consultant's estimate that POGOs are leasing close to one million square meters of real estate in the Philippines. This property portfolio will also be reviewed as part of the shutdown process.
Tengco indicated that while approximately 42 to 43 legally compliant companies will remain operational, the remainder will be shut down following the ban.
