Parañaque gov’t: We did not test Pogo workers

The local government of Parañaque clarified it did not sponsor the testing for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) of Chinese employees of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) at a gated village in the city.

Photos circulating online showed dozens of Pogo workers lining up outside the club house of BF Homes Federation of Homeowners Association in Barangay BF Homes.

According to the post, the testing was exclusively for the Chinese nationals, estimated to be 500.

“I was informed the testing is being done by the city government. Just wondering when will our government authorities do mass testing for Filipinos. No wonder we cannot flatten the curve. The priority is wrong here,” it read.

‘Not a single centavo’

Parañaque administrator Ding Soriano said the testing of the Chinese nationals was not conducted by the city government.

“We are not spending a single centavo for testing Chinese nationals. Our current mass testing is for our constituents,” he said in a phone interview.

While he confirmed the testing took place, he said this was paid for by the Pogo company and the club house was used only as a venue as approved by the association’s board.

The city government of Parañaque has been conducting targeted testing in the city since April, prioritizing residents who are front-liners, and suspect cases and their close contacts.