ASPAP issues clarification

This is in response to the editorial titled “Reckless Endangerment,” published online on 28 May 2020.

On behalf of the Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP), the group of legitimate and compliant Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Service Providers in the Philippines, I would like to respond to your editorial to make certain clarifications.

We are together with the government in shutting down Non-accredited Offshore Gaming Operators (NOGOs) and to put a stop to their illegal activities. ASPAP supports all government efforts in purging NOGOs since these endanger the progress and development of the country’s gaming industry that stands to raise billions in government funds, much needed now in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ASPAP takes exception to broad generalizations made in media that may affect our legitimate POGO Service Providers.

POGO Service Providers do not have underground or secret hospitals exclusively for foreign workers infected with COVID-19. Although there are company clinics within the establishments of POGO Service Providers, this is allowed and permitted by law. These clinics, like most company clinics, are present to attend to the immediate needs of the employee. This is not similar to the care and confinement administered by hospitals. In addition, these clinics are well aware and equipped with the necessary safeguards and health protocols to battle against COVID-19. If a COVID-19 case is determined, the employee must be referred to the Department of Health or a nearby hospital in accordance with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)’s guidelines.

Fontana Development Corporation clarified that it has “absolutely no involvement or participation in the alleged illegal operation, and does not and will never condone any illegal activities within our leased property.” As to the allegation that what was discovered was a “secret hospital”, it said that the residential villa where the purported hospital was found, is under the control of Shidaikeji Technology Corporation which explained that it used the villa to attend their employees’ own needs, similar to any company clinic. It was not operating as a COVID-19 clinic, there being no positive COVID-19 case, Person Under Investigation (PUI) or Person Under Monitoring (PUM) in Fontana.

In any case, POGO Service Providers are complying with the guidelines set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Once cleared, POGO Service Providers shall resume operations in compliance with health protocols issued by government. In fact, all returning POGO workers are subjected to COVID-19 tests and the costs are borne by the POGO Service Providers and not shouldered by the government. As to the allegations that involved foreign workers were set free, ASPAPrecommends the filing of meritorious cases to ensure the equal protection of the law on everyone.

It is therefore unfair to label company clinics that employ mostly foreign workers as “secret hospitals”. ASPAP is serious in holding POGO Service Providers accountable and compliant to all regulations issued in the fight against COVID-19. ASPAP is ready to work with our public health officials to discuss ways to better fight COVID-19 and we will not tolerate the operation of such “secret hospitals” if indeed there are such. – Atty. MARGARITA N.

GUTIERREZ, Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP)