BI: “We saw the POGO [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator] ban didn’t have any adverse effects, and it was even more positive and effective in our tourism.”
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has hailed the total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), set to take full effect by December 31, 2024, as a positive step toward improving the country’s international reputation as a safe destination.
BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval expressed optimism during a briefing in Manila, stating that the POGO exodus has created a safer perception of the Philippines among tourists and foreign nationals. "The effect of the exodus of POGOs seems to be good because I believe it’s making people feel that it’s safer in the Philippines," she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Ms. Sandoval highlighted that the government’s efforts to ensure safety and security have been instrumental in attracting foreign visitors. "We believe this is a good sign for foreign nationals to go here. Our numbers of visitors are good. Our numbers of visitors are high. So, we saw the POGO ban didn’t have any adverse effects, and it was even more positive and effective in our tourism," she added.
The latest data from the Department of Tourism supports this sentiment. As of December 15, the Philippines welcomed 5.65 million international visitors, achieving 73.4% of its 2024 target. This robust performance underscores the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination, with safety playing a key role in its marketing strategy.
Meanwhile, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado provided an update on the status of foreign workers previously employed by POGOs, now rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). According to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) records, around 33,000 IGL workers were registered prior to the ban. Of this number, approximately 23,000 to 24,000 have voluntarily left the Philippines, with many opting to downgrade their working visas to tourist visas.
However, Mr. Viado noted that around 8,000 foreign IGL workers remain in the country, including 1,000 who have yet to regularize their visa status. "A thousand of them are unaccounted for or IGL workers who did not downgrade their visas," he said. He warned that those who fail to comply with the December 31 deadline to leave the country will face blacklisting. "After Dec. 31, the bureau would start blacklisting them," Mr. Viado emphasized.
The POGO ban, ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July, was implemented to address the rising number of crimes linked to offshore gaming operations. Authorities have reported incidents of human trafficking, money laundering, and financial scams tied to POGOs, prompting the government to take decisive action.
The decision to phase out POGOs aligns with broader efforts to enhance national security and economic stability. Critics of POGOs have long argued that their operations posed risks to public safety and tarnished the country’s image abroad. The administration’s move to ban POGOs has been widely praised by various sectors, including law enforcement and civic organizations, for tackling these issues head-on.
While the economic impact of the ban has been a subject of debate, initial indicators suggest that the benefits outweigh the costs. The boost in tourism numbers reflects a positive trend, with foreign visitors increasingly viewing the Philippines as a safe and welcoming destination. Local businesses in the hospitality and travel sectors have also reported growth, further solidifying the case for prioritizing tourism over controversial industries like offshore gaming.
Looking ahead, the BI and other government agencies remain vigilant in enforcing the ban and ensuring compliance among former POGO workers. Efforts are underway to track down unaccounted foreign nationals and prevent unauthorized activities that could undermine the country’s security and reputation.
Read related article: Senate Bill Forfeits Confiscated POGO Assets in Favor of Gov’t
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