POGOs to resume operations after lockdown
Despite a number of controversies pre-COVID-19, POGOs are set to resume normal operations once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted
In mid-March Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered the suspension of all casino and other gaming operations in Metro Manila amid the increasing threat of COVID-19 in the country. The provision was part of the guidelines enumerated by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. Until now there was no known date when operations would resume.
Dominique Tutay, Undersecretary of the Philippines Labor department.Yesterday Undersecretary Dominique Tutay of the Philippines Labor department stated in an interview that Philippine offshore gaming operators were expected to resume their regular operations in May when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon is planned to be lifted. Tutay added “POGOs will continue as long they are allowed by law. We will just continue our initiative to regulate and ensure that these firms are compliant with labor and immigration laws as well as payment of taxes.”
Recently, the operation of POGOs in the country has become controversial.
Senator Risa Hontiveros had alleged that illegal recruitment, illegal detention, and sexual harassment are rampant in the POGO industry. Meetings on resolving the concerns and irregularities surrounding POGOs were supposed to be held in March, but these were cut short by the ECQ.
Nevertheless, the gaming operators bring in a lot of revenues for the country. As we recently reported PAGCOR hasalready donated more than 50 Million USD in fight against Covid 19.
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For those planning to attend the summits this is the buzzing business environment to be expected:
