The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has pledged to comply with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country. This move, announced during Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA), is expected to affect approximately 42,000 Filipino workers.
Pagcor Chief Alejandro Tengco confirmed the directive, noting that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been instructed to assist displaced workers in finding new employment opportunities before the end of 2024.
“About 42,000 Filipinos will be directly affected, no foreigners,” Tengco stated in an interview following the SONA. “As the President mentioned, I suggest coordinating with DOLE for skills training programs to help us overcome this challenge.”
Tengco emphasized that President Marcos believes the ban will ultimately benefit all Filipinos. “I hereby instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” Marcos declared during his address.