Palace on resumption of Pogos: It’s a source of cash but risks must be weighed

MANILA, Philippines —Although acknowledging it could provide cash resources, Malacañang said the government was still weighing the risks that would stem from resuming the operations of  Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said it was evaluating the possible resumption of Pogo operations.

“Ang POGO po, kabahagi po yan ng siguro ng isang indsutriya na nagbibigay ng cash resource sa Presidente, sa ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng buwis,” Roque said in an online press conference.

(POGO is among the industries providing cash resources to the President, to the government through taxes.)

“Ang tatanungin po natin, ano yung risk na pinopose ng operation ng POGO? Mababawasan ba yung risk ng pagkalat ng sakit sa pamamagitan ng social distancing at ppwede bang mag work from home yang mga Pogo industries na yan,” he added.

(But the question is, what are the risks involve in Pogo operations? Will the risk be reduced through social distancing or could the Pogo industries work from home?)

Following the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, all businesses, including Pogos, were temporarily closed to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Only essential establishments, like those related to food, medicine, and healthcare, were exempted from the measure.

As of Monday, there are  6,459 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease in the country with 428 fatalities and 613 recoveries.