Offshore gaming continues

Massive job, revenue losses seen

President Rodrigo Duterte will not order the stoppage of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).

In an impromptu news conference in Malacañang Wednesday evening, the President said he will continue to allow online gambling in the country since banning it would result in massive loss in job opportunities and revenues.

“There is not enough jobs. If only we have really progressed as a country, with ample jobs, then you do not have this stupid thing... activity of allowing gambling,” he told reporters.

POGO are an important source of revenue for the national government through license fees paid to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp..

Aside from the employment generated by POGO, owners of commercial buildings that house offshore gambling also earn from rental fees paid by companies.

In his recent official visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping renewed his appeal for the Philippine government to outlaw POGO over the safety and welfare of Chinese citizens working in the online gaming industry.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila previously raised concerns over the alleged targeting and exploitation of mainlanders and money laundering employed in POGO.

Mr. Duterte bared that he may have listened to the Chinese leader out of courtesy but he still has the last say.

“I decided that we need it. Maraming mawalaan ng hanap-buhay. Anyway, it’s government-controlled,” he stated.

He, however, warned online gaming concessionaires to make sure they follow the laws and not defraud the government of remittances.

“If you commit a mistake, if you don’t remit — even just one non-remittance, you better close and then talk to me,” Duterte said.

There is not enough jobs. If only we have really progressed as a country, with ample jobs, then you do not have this stupid thing