Legarda requests DOLE to review permits of foreign Pogo workers

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda requested on Wednesday the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to review its issuance of work permits to over 40,000 foreign Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) workers.

Citing DOLE data, Legarda said 60,541 foreigners in the country were granted Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) as of Oct. 31.

Of this number, a total of 42,409 belong to the Pogo industry.

READ: Pogo proliferation points to potential covert spying in PH – Hontiveros

“I am asking DOLE to review the 42,000 plus [AEPs] issued,” Legarda, the sponsor of the proposed 2024 DOLE budget, said.

If proven that these AEPs were used to acquire jobs in illegal Pogo facilities, Legarda said the permits would immediately be revoked.

“May I request [DOLE] to give us a list [detailing] when the [AEPs] were issued and who were the sponsors? If you have revoked any, tell us who have you revoked,” Legarda said.

“Could you kindly review and revisit that more than 42,000 which you claim are legal and legitimate?”

Several senators, including Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, have expressed their intention to support a move to permanently ban Pogos in the country.

The calls were issued following reports of serious crimes linked to Pogos.