TAGBILARAN CITY – Senator Francis Tolentino expressed worry over the fate of the workers, who will be displaced when the government decided to make true its ban against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
He said while he favors the ban, his only concern is centered on some 40,000 workers, who will be adversely affected when POGO will finally be prohibited to operate in the country.
Tolentino was here last week to pay respects to the late Vice-Guv. Dionisio Victor A. Balite during his wake at the Sp session hall of the new Capitol. Balite passed away on July 17 and was buried on Friday. He said Balite was his friend.
He said that where would the government place the displaced workers, though, this is the concern of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp (PAGCOR).
POGO operates under Republic Act No. 11590, an act taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, (POGO), amending for the purpose sections 22, 25, 27, 106, 108, and adding new sections 125-a and new sections 125-a and 228(g) of the national internal revenue code of 1997, as amended, and for other purposes.
“President Marcos ordered PAGCOR to have all POGO operations ceased by the end of the year.” This came out during the in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA),
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also directed to find jobs for Filipinos who would be displaced by the closure of POGOs in the country.
“The ban came after consecutive raids on POGO hubs revealed their involvement in illegal activities such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, even murder,” the report said
Meanwhile, the senator said he did not know yet and is waiting for what may come from the PDP-Laban party, the party in which he’s a member.
He said he’s waiting for his fellow Senator Robin Padilla as the head of the party as the filing of certificate of candidacy I fast approaching in October this year. (rvo)
