Philippine Government Allows Partial Reopening of POGOs

The Philippine Government has allowed the POGOs to resume partial operations amid enforcement of community quarantine against COVID-19.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said online gambling services are part of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which are allowed to open under the new quarantine rules. A skeleton workforce, or only 30% of the total number of employees, are allowed to report for work.

“BPOs are allowed to operate. POGOs are part of the BPO (sector),” Roque said.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairperson Andrea Domingo lobbied with government officials to allow POGOs to reopen, arguing that revenues from POGOs can be a significant source of funds for the government’s COVID-19 response.

“This is essential because we need revenues. POGOs generate revenues and employment, minus the threat of spreading the virus. All taxes from POGOs will be used, 100 percent, to fund the COVID-19 response,” Andrea Domingo said.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman clarified only compliant POGOs are allowed to go back to business. He said PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are tasked to verify if they have complied with their tax requirements before giving them permits to operate once again.

Domingo said PAGCOR and the BIR will be stringent with this crucial step.