Senator seeks tighter policies on POGO industry
Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling on the government to impose tighter policies to regulate Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Hontiveros sought the government’s attention on the matter amid reports that more than 130,000 POGO workers have not registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Hontiveros stressed that POGOs must comply with the country’s financial and immigration laws, and that Chinese nationals should be properly documented. The senator said there are also reports of rising rental prices for condominiums and other housing units due to the influx of Chinese businessmen and workers in the country. Hontiveros called on the country’s regulators to resolve the rapid rise of rental prices on properties where POGOs operate, which are driving out long-time Filipino renters. She also urged the government to guarantee jobs for Filipino workers and provide them with access to re-skilling programs to keep up with the changing dynamics in the workplace. The senator recently filed Senate Resolution 1027 to regulate the POGO industry, amend applicable laws, and improve revenue collection.
