Makati gov’t sets indefinite moratorium on new business permits for POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati government implemented Sunday an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of new business permits and licenses to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) as some are involved in crimes and prostitution in the city.

“We would no longer accept new applications for POGO service providers and crack down hard against illegal activities that are catering to POGOs and their employees within Makati,” Makati Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement.

Binay said the local government would cease to issue “Letters of No Objection” and stop accepting new applications for business permits from Pogos.

The moratorium was issued after the city experienced “overheating” in residential and commercial leasing market due to influx of Pogo workers.

The use of apartments as drug and prostitution dens also prompted the local government to stop allowing more Pogo firms to operate in Makati.

For this year alone, P2.5 billion worth of shabu was seized from a Chinese man who is using a rented apartment in Makati to hide the illegal drugs. Police also rescued 35 foreigners at a hotel in Makati which was used as a front for a prostitution den.

Records from Makati government said over 300 Pogo service providers in Makati City are hiring thousands of workers who are mostly Chinese.

Pogo firms offer services including live e-casino video streaming, call center, marketing and other technical support for Pogos.

Edited by JE