Senate opens probe into Pogos

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate opened on Monday the investigation into Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).

The Senate committee on ways and means hearing, presided over by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, looked into the activities of Pogos in the country amid the alleged spate of abduction cases linked to the industry.

The panel discussed Senate Resolution Nos. 225, 227, and 229 filed by Senators Joel Villanueva, Gatchalian, and Grace Poe, respectively.

Senators sought to weigh the benefits and social costs of Pogos.

The Department of Justice earlier said that they would conduct summary deportations of over 40,000 Pogo workers, who are Chinese nationals.

The Bureau of Immigration on Sunday said that the visa cancellation of more than 40,000 employees of Pogos is underway.

JMS/abc