Take ‘em back

AMATTER of “grave concern” to the Chinese embassy: “In many cases, the employers of Philippine casinos, POGOs and other forms of gambling entities do not apply necessary legal work permits for their Chinese employees. Some Chinese citizens are even lured into and cheated to work illegally with only tourist visas.”

To make both Manila and Beijing happy, we should ask the thousands of POGOs, aka robots, to go back to China. If the situation is as bad as the embassy describes it, they have no business seeking more fun in the Philippines. Gambling is illegal in China, so the seekers of fun and fortune come here – in droves. In large areas of MOA, heavy concentrations of Chinese, tourists or investors or whatever, can be seen strolling in casual clothes, seemingly enjoying the sights. The casino hotel-resorts are full of them, with groups of pretty girls in party clothes gaily alighting from their chauffeured SUVs to have a good time.

Did these happy-go-lucky visitors come on their own? If not, who invited them? The embassy statement points directly to “the employers of Philippine casinos” with what we suppose

are tempting promos and irresistible junkets. As for the visas with which they are “lured” into coming, the straightforward fact is that we thought the visa-upon-arrival was a privilege extended to the citizens of China because of our President’s close friendship with their President Xi.

Are the visitors here for work or vacation? They couldn’t be bothered to answer, they’re shy, don’t speak English. We do know there have been police reports of Chinese gangs kidnapping, detaining, and torturing their Chinese victims, for ransom or payment of gambling debts.

There are other ways to skin the cat. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez bore down on 36 restaurants using exclusively Chinese characters on their signs, menus, receipts, etc. DOLE caught Chinese construction workers working without permits. Public opinion is raw against the prospects of entire colonies of POGOs establishing residence within striking distance of certain neighborhoods. Pagcor assured the embassy that the robots, rather than being deprived of their rights, are safe, protected, and move without restrictions, freely, in and out of their dormitories.

China has reason to be concerned, but we have more reasons.