POGOs pay for virus tests of their employees

MANILA, Philippines — An organization of online gaming service providers clarified on Saturday that the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing of employees of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are paid for by the operators and not by taxpayers.

Accredited Service Providers Association of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. spokesperson Margarita Gutierrez said the tests — among the requirements needed for the resumption of Pogo operations — was carried out at “zero cost to the government.”

Earlier this week, photos of dozens of POGO employees lining up to be tested at the clubhouse of BF Homes in Parañaque City went viral on social media. But city administrator Ding Soriano denied that the testing was funded by the city government.

—Nikka G. Valenzuela

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.