PAGCOR says POGO work permits valid until year-end
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has announced that work permits for employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will remain valid until the end of the year. This extension applies to both foreign and local workers within the offshore gaming sector, now rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs).
Originally, these permits had a three-year validity period, but recent adjustments approved by PAGCOR CEO Alejandro Tengco on August 15th have set the expiration date for December 31, 2024.
President Marcos’ crackdown on POGOs
The decision to adjust the permit validity follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGOs, announced during his State of the Nation Address on July 22. The administration’s stance represents a significant crackdown on the controversial industry, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of illegal activities and links to foreign crime syndicates.
Economic impact of the ban
Tengco acknowledged that enforcing the POGO ban would result in substantial economic repercussions. Tengco projected a loss of PHP 23 billion (€366 million) in revenue for PAGCOR and the potential displacement of around 40,000 local jobs. Despite these concerns, PAGCOR remains committed to implementing the government’s directive. The rebranding of POGOs as IGLs late last year was initially an effort to legitimise the sector, but the latest government mandate has rendered these efforts moot.
Collaborative efforts to phase out the industry
In preparation for the ban’s enforcement, PAGCOR’s Overseas Gaming Licence Department convened a meeting on Tuesday with representatives from IGLs, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). This meeting, held at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Pasay City, focused on coordinating efforts to phase out the offshore gaming industry by the end of the year.
Earlier attempts by the BI to impose a 60-day deadline for foreign POGO workers to leave the country were put on hold by the Department of Justice. This pause aims to align the immigration policies with the plan to wind down POGO operations, ensuring an orderly exit for those involved.
