DOJ chief: Pogo hubs must be in ecozone away from military bases

MANILA, Philippines — There is nothing to be alarmed about the establishment of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) hubs as along as it will be situated somewhere like an ecozone away from military camps, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Saturday.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he supports the idea of a Pogo hub away from military camps.

“Doon lang sila, para makontrol sila ng authorities saka ng Finance saka Immigration. Para kung sino ang pumapasok, sino ang lumalabas,” Lorenzana said.

READ: Palace sees nothing wrong with Pogo hubs near military camps

Guevarra said: “I don’t find the idea objectionable.”

When asked if the influx of Chinese can be a cause of alarm for the government, Guevarra said “as long as the Chinese strictly obey our laws and ordinances and respect our customs and traditions, and do not take away jobs that Filipinos themselves can do, I am not alarmed at all.”

Guevarra also noted that Filipinos migrate in other countries but “no one has expressed any serious concern at all.” /muf/jpv

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