The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment has warned that approximately 22,000 Filipinos employed by legal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in Metro Manila may face unemployment if the online gaming companies are banned in the country.
According to a local media outlet, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma noted that inspections were conducted on all legally operating POGO firms in the National Capital Region last year. Data collected from these inspections was used to evaluate the potential impact on the labor market.
Laguesma emphasised that shutting down operations of legitimate POGO firms would pose a significant challenge, impacting the employment of numerous workers.
He added that there are also POGO hubs in provinces, particularly in Central Luzon, but these are considered illegal as they are not registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
Furthermore, Laguesma mentioned that assistance would be challenging for workers not listed with PAGCOR, contrasting with those previously listed, for whom there is a process to reach out. The Department of Labor and Employment has existing programmes in place to support affected workers if their companies are closed down.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
