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Philippine government starts POGO shutdowns
The Philippine government has established a multi-agency task force to manage the closure of 41 licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.
In July 2024, the president of the Republic of the Philippines declared that starting then, no new Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) or Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) could be established in the country. This also means that all the existing ones needed to cease their operations. On September 19, the Department of Justice announced about 41 remaining POGOs.
This decision will affect many lives. Now, as POGO operations come to an end, about 20,000 workers find themselves facing uncertainty and anxiety about their futures. For many, these jobs were more than just jobs; they represented stability and hope. Foreign workers are also left alone with their own challenges, needing to return to their home countries and leave behind the lives they’ve built in the Philippines.
Taking into consideration all these factors, the government is required to assist these workers with jobs and support services.
The POGO closure is a moment that signifies not just an end but also a chance for a new start that prioritizes safety. As the country moves forward, the focus must remain on helping those affected by the decision.
Moreover, on October 10, the Department of Labor will have a meeting to address local workers’ issues. On October 16, all foreign worker visas will be downgraded to tourist visas.
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