Raided POGO Hubs to be Reused as Schools, Government Buildings

The Philippine government is taking steps to repurpose Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs that have been forfeited due to legal actions. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced this initiative on October 10, 2024, emphasizing a collaborative effort with other government agencies.

PAOCC executive director Usec. Gilbert Cruz stated that the commission will work closely with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), now led by Jonvic Remulla, as well as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). The goal is to explore options for converting the POGO facilities into community-oriented structures, such as schools and government offices.

Cruz explained the legal status of these POGO hubs. He was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer. “Pag-uusapan po namin ‘yan with the Inter-Agency Task Force natin ano, at of course yung DILG po kasama na natin dyan, si DILG Remulla, kung ano po ang balak. Kasi ‘yung Pogo hubs na na-hold na po natin nung nakaraan, may balak na po dyan. Actually, subject na po ng criminal forfeiture cases ‘yan at civil forfeiture cases.” (We will discuss that with our Inter-Agency Task Force and of course the DILG, along with DILG Remulla, regarding the plans. Because the POGO hubs we previously held are already subject to criminal and civil forfeiture cases.)

The PAOCC director expressed optimism about the potential benefits for local communities, particularly those near the hubs located in Porac, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac. Cruz remarked, “May mga kapakinabangan naman pong mangyayari kung sakaling makuha po ng gobyerno ‘yung Pogo hubs na ‘yan, lalo na po itong sa Porac at sa Bamban. Pwede po gawing eskwelahan po ‘yan, yung Porac tsaka Bamban po.” (There will be benefits if the government acquires those POGO hubs, especially in Porac and Bamban. They could be turned into schools.)

Cruz highlighted a successful example of adaptive reuse of POGO facilities in the country. He noted that a previously raided POGO hub in Pasay City has been transformed into a detention facility and a rescue center operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He stated, “Yung isang Pogohan sa ngayon po dito sa Pasay, ginawa na po nating kulungan ‘yan at rescue center ng DSWD.” (The POGO hub here in Pasay has been turned into a detention center and a rescue center for the DSWD.)

This initiative comes in the wake of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive issued during his State of the Nation Address in July, which called for a ban on POGOs in the Philippines. As a result of this ban, many POGO workers are currently navigating the process of visa downgrades. The government has set a deadline for these workers to leave the Philippines by the end of the year.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, over 10,000 POGO workers have already applied for visa downgrading as they prepare for their departure. The massive number of applications highlights the immediate impact of the government’s decision on the POGO industry and its workforce.

In addition to the forfeiture plans, Remulla announced on October 9 that POGO hubs operating in the 36-hectare Island Cove in Cavite will also face closure by December 15. This decision is part of a broader effort to dismantle the POGO industry in the Philippines.

Read related article: Lawmaker Suggests Repurposing POGO Hubs as Student Dorms