MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has suspended accepting applications for Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) until all concerns “have been addressed.”
We will no longer, at this time, accept any more applications until we have reviewed and comfortably addressed all of the concerns of everybody,” Domingo said in a press conference on Monday.
She added that concerns of the lawmakers, among others would be taken into consideration.
Domingo said Pagcor stopped accepting Pogo application three weeks ago.
Currently, there are 58 licensed POGO operators, with three others awaiting the issuance of licenses to operate.
Pagcor, Domingo said, will also assess the societal impact of Pogo operations in the country.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana recently raised the possibility that Pogo operations could be used as an intelligence-gathering hub, since some Pogo facilities are near military camps.
“It could be just coincidental because these were the only facilities offered for POGO Operations and I believe that the POGO workers are here just for work only. What I am alarmed is the potential that they could be tapped for info gathering purposes,” Lorenzana said.
“Knowing that Chinese companies are mandated by the Chinese government to assist in intel collection for their government, it is not far fetched that individuals, likewise, could be compelled to do so,” he added.
READ: ‘Preposterous’: Lorenzana hits China envoy’s remark on OFWs ‘spying’
Some members of the House of Representatives have already called for an investigation on the proliferation of POGOs in the country, citing national security and labor concerns.
READ: House to probe rise of Pogos amid security, labor concerns