Senate probe into gov’t plans for displaced Pogo workers sought

(INQUIRER file and stock photos)

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking a probe into the government’s plans for workers displaced by the closure of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the Philippines has been filed by Sen. Robinhood Padilla.

In his Senate Resolution No. 1091, Padilla specifically directed the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he heads, to investigate the matter.

“Considering the thousands of Filipino workers who will be adversely affected by the impending closure of Pogo operations in the country, the public has the right to be informed of the planned actions and the programs to be implemented by the government to address this issue,” Padilla said.

He filed the resolution days after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr delivered his State of the Nation Address on July 22. That was when he announced the ban on all Pogos in the country, subsequently ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to wind down their operations by the end of 2024.

“According to Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco, there are some 31,000 direct Pogo employees and more than 9,000 workers in special business process outsourcing who will be displaced by the closure of Pogos,” said Padilla.

Before filing Padilla’s resolution, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) already outlined portions of its plan to ensure laid-off Pogo workers would continue to have decent jobs.

In a post-Sona discussion on education and workers’ welfare development, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said first on the list is the profiling of employees.

According to Dole, workers’ profiling will include their ability and expertise, current jobs, compensation, preference, and possible government intervention.

Laguesma noted that among Dole’s interventions are employment facilitation, and referrals on existing jobs based on workers’ skills and expertise.