DOLE eyes aid for POGO workers amid looming ban

He reported that DOLE issued some 23,000 alien employment permits (AEPs) to POGO workers in 2023. (File Photo By Judgefloro – Own work, CC0)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking to help Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers that might be affected by the plan to ban operations of the industry in the country.

“We have seen that most POGO-related companies are in the National Capital Region. We are analyzing this data. So we are looking at our labor market information very carefully so that we can assist them more urgently just in case they lose their jobs,” Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said in a Laging Handa briefing Wednesday.

He reported that DOLE issued some 23,000 alien employment permits (AEPs) to POGO workers in 2023.

“About 23,000 or so we have issued this year, but in past years, we have issued more AEPs. In the past four years, we have seen in our data that the number of POGO workers who have applied for and been granted the so-called alien employment permit by the Department has decreased,” he added.

Foreign workers including those employed in POGOs have to register with the DOLE.

On the other hand, the Bureau of Immigration issues permits such as special work permits and provision of work permits.

Calls to ban POGOs in the country have mounted after the sector has been linked to crimes and other illegal activities.