Pagcor told to tighten up on POGOs

(INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Wednesday told the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to step up its regulatory powers and monitoring of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio said this after the agency shut down an illegal hospital in Pasay City,  allegedly catering to POGO workers.

“Really the bottom-line is the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation must step-up in its regulatory powers – they have to go beyond mere inspection,” said Casio at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

Casio said that POGOs should not be allowed to operate on a provisional licenses.

The Bureau of Immigration and PAGCOR should also work together said Casio.

“Karamihang nakikita natin iyong mga visa na hawak ng mga POGO workers ay hindi visa para doon sa partikular na IGL (Internet Gaming Licensee) kung saan sila nahuli,” said Casio.

(Most of the POGO workers we see have visas that are not for the particular IGL where they were apprehended.)