DOJ Suspends 60-Day Deadline for POGO Workers Amid Plans to Phase Out Industry

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has suspended the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) 60-day deadline for foreign nationals working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to leave the country.

This suspension comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGO operations which he announced during his third State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the need for a coordinated effort in shutting down POGOs by year’s end. The suspension of the BI’s order, initially issued on July 24, aims to ensure that the government’s strategy is implemented smoothly and effectively. “The BI cannot act independently on its deadline,” Remulla was quoted as saying in an August 2 report published by the Inquirer.

Remulla said the DOJ is committed to adhering to President Marcos’s directive to cease all such activities by the end of the year “without violating people’s rights.”

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco had initially ordered the revocation of working visas for foreign POGO employees and halted the processing of new visa applications for both POGOs and internet gaming licensees (IGLs). The BI also sought a list from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) of foreign nationals working in POGOs with suspended or non-renewed licenses to track down those possibly staying in the country illegally.

President Marcos cited numerous illegal activities linked to POGOs, including financial scams, money laundering, and severe crimes like human trafficking and murder, as key reasons for the ban. The government aims to manage the transition smoothly, encouraging foreign POGO workers to leave voluntarily by December 31, 2024. Remulla stressed the importance of returning money held by sales agents post-closure to prevent “unjust enrichment.”

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros have been vocal critics of POGOs, pointing out their minimal contribution to national revenue and the higher employment of foreign nationals over Filipinos. Hontiveros praised the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which empowers the government to seize assets from illegal POGOs for victim support.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported the deportation of 1,698 foreign nationals involved in illegal POGO operations since May 4, 2023. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio noted that blacklisted individuals would be barred from re-entering the Philippines. However, around 30,000 expatriates working in legitimate POGO firms could return if they are not facing criminal charges. Casio expressed confidence in the government’s ability to deport a significant number of POGO workers with continued support from various agencies and local government units.

Source: Inquirer.net