By Gwyneth Porlahe | August 27, 2024
By Gwyneth Porlahe | August 27, 2024
FOR the past few years, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) has become a hot topic of debate and conversation. It is an industry that provides economic growth and large financial contributions to our country.
According to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), POGOs started operating in 2003, but online gaming hubs were legalized during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. These hubs cater to overseas players rather than locals, mainly from China. These hubs may provide financial benefits to our economy and employment for Filipinos, but many crimes occur within them. Let’s dive into why POGOs became a recently popular topic and the controversies it faces that have affected its future.
“Your Honor, di ko na po maalala…”
What really caught the interest of Filipinos is a major controversy involving Alice Guo, the currently suspended mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who was accused and proven to be involved in establishing and managing POGO hubs through several businesses. POGO operations associated with Guo had issues such as tax evasion, money laundering, and unlicensed operations. Although it boosts the local economy, it is also seen as a threat to local communities due to the crimes occurring in their hubs.
Is it a Win or a Lose?
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. implemented a comprehensive ban on POGOs last July 22, which received seemingly hefty support from senators who voted for its legalization in 2021. This decision is a significant shift to the offshore gaming sector, providing economic growth and controversies. The ban may stop the illegal activities, but other immediate effects are job losses for Filipino employees and a decrease in revenue for local businesses linked to POGO hubs.
Other Controversies and Challenges of POGOs
Despite it being one of the government’s sources of revenue, it has been entangled with disturbing crimes. Violent assaults, prostitution, inhumane working conditions, and much more are linked to POGOs, where both foreigners and locals are victims. Last year, a Malaysian and Chinese POGO worker was found dead in Porac, Pampanga, which is related to kidnapping cases linked to the operation hub. In 2022, around 100 foreign and Filipino POGO workers were discovered to be tortured and held captive in a rescue operation in Cainta, Rizal. As Sen. Risa Hontiveros said, "POGOs are a petri dish for crimes." POGO hubs are more than just scam centers; they are a dangerous industry that risks the safety of those who dare to be involved.
Apart from the issues of tax evasion, illegal operations, and crimes, there are also concerns about the sudden increase of Chinese workers in areas where POGOs are located. This has created social tension and mixed opinions on fairness in terms of employment for both Filipinos and Chinese workers. Unemployment is one of the societal issues that our country faces, yet more than 100,000 foreign workers have managed to land jobs within the sector.
The Future of POGOs
POGO hubs may still exist if agencies decide to reform how they regulate and monitor these operations. If they ever attempt to permit them again, they are expected to exercise transparency, compliance, and accountability. Because of technological advancements, online gaming continues to evolve every day. The Philippines must be ready to adapt if it wants to stay competitive in the global market.
How it Affects Us as Students
The impact of POGOs is relevant to our education and future careers. Understanding societal issues like this gives us a sense of civic responsibility and engagement. It encourages us to participate in social and political discourses more actively. Educating ourselves about the issue will help us better understand our economy and society, making us informed and responsible Filipino citizens who are not afraid to contribute to our community.