Resumption of POGO operations amid COVID-19 needs ‘utmost caution’ — Angara

MANILA, Philippines — While he would be a “little more open” on proposals to resume the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Senator Sonny Angara said doing so would need “utmost caution.”

“I’m a little more open to it but I think we have to proceed with utmost caution because you’re talking about letting in workers from China where the virus originated—although largely, things are under control—I think travel poses additional risk. We’re still kind of grappling with the many moving parts that you have to control,” Angara told reporters in a teleconference on Thursday.

“The question of adding another moving part adds another risk that should be carefully considered and given the living conditions of POGOs (workers), you’re talking about..it’s a dormitory,” he added.

At least three of Angara’s colleagues in the Senate have already rejected the proposed resumption of POGOs, even adding that the government suspends their operations in the country for good.

This as they cited the unpaid tax obligations of POGOs which are estimated at billions of pesos as well as crimes connected to the industry.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said the government is evaluating the possibility of resuming POGO operations as revenues could augment the country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

After President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine, all businesses, including that of POGOs, have been temporarily shuttered to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“If the reason for looking towards POGOs because we’ve lost revenue from our (overseas Filipino workers), from collecting tax from petroleum products let’s make sure we’re collecting the right amount,” Angara, chair of the Senate finance committee, went on.

Safety and health protocols should first be in place before going on ahead and reopening POGO operations, he added.

“This has been a running debate even the secretary of finance was quoted as saying they’re not even paying the proper taxes so if ever we let them back in make sure number one, it’s with the proper safeguards with respect to health and secondly let’s make sure we’re collecting the right tax from them,” he added.

/MUF