What’s the big fuss about POGO workers?

Dear Editors,

I am just wondering about the big fuss aired by some security officials over the influx of online gaming operations by the Chinese in the Philippines.

Funny how they worry about the supposed security threat posed by these Philippine online gaming operations (POGO) to us when they have been all praises to the Chinese — being friendly to the Duterte administration — previously.

If these officials think that the heavy presence of Chinese workers in the country could be a form of spying or a prelude to invasion, they could just be looking for justification for their failure to do their job.

We all very well know that the Chinese can invade us in minutes, if they want to. Would they do it? I don’t think so. And at what expense? Losing face with the entire world, and, in turn, lose China’s century-old journey to become a superpower?

These security officials might think China wants the West Philippine Sea. Right now, they are free to do whatever they wish out there, so why resort to a more complicated situation? And isn’t it that Beijing already expressed willingness to sit down with Manila for a possible joint venture?

Maybe these officials are now aware that they failed to do their mandate — in all aspects. They slept long on their job.

Isn’t it the job of these same officials now making noise to keep the national security protected from Day One in their office? Why make an issue out of these Chinese workers now when thousands of them are already here? They are clearly out of sync.

The better move will be ensuring that these Chinese come and stay here legally — meaning both the government and the foreigners are protected. By ensuring that these Chinese are properly documented, the government can easily monitor their activities. And with proper documents, the foreigners could free themselves from harassment by the corrupt.

For me, we should treat these POGO in a positive way — as foreign investment providing revenues to the government. While the common workers are Chinese, the state imposes taxes from individual income to corporate.

In addition, we cannot deny that there are certain grassroots economy benefitting from this, like those who have their condominium units rented by these foreigners at very competitive rates and longer terms.

Hope that my letter will find space in your very innovative newspaper. Thank you very much!