Robredo: Keep close watch on Chinese Pogo workers

MANILA, Philippines — Following reports on foreigners illegally entering and staying in the country, Vice President Leni Robredo said the government must keep a close watch on Chinese workers, particularly those engaged in Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogo).

“(W)e already put a stop to gambling, but why are we allowing these Chinese to come here?” she asked in her weekly radio show on Sunday. “Their activities are illegal in their country, that’s why they come here… If it’s illegal [there], why are we housing them here?”

Robredo added: “I think we really need to go over our policies and check who are here, what they are doing here, and if their lengthened stay is legal.”

The Vice President’s comments came after the Palace said it would run after illegal recruiters of Pogo workers, in response to the Chinese embassy’s call to “punish” Pogo operators, casinos and other gambling entities illegally recruiting Chinese citizens.

Earlier, the Chinese Embassy said Chinese workers were being subjected to extortion and physical abuse by their employers.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. previously expressed security concerns over the influx of Chinese workers in the country.