The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced that work permits for both foreign and local employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will remain valid only until the end of the year (2024).
Specifically, employment licenses issued to workers under Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) are valid through December 31, despite these licenses originally having a three-year validity period. This adjustment was approved by PAGCOR’s chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco on August 15.
This development follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to impose an immediate ban on POGOs, announced during his State of the Nation Address on July 22. The President cited concerns over significant legal and regulatory abuses associated with POGOs.
Tengco indicated that the enforcement of this ban will result in substantial financial and employment impacts, estimating a potential loss of PHP 23 billion in revenue and approximately 40,000 jobs.
In a related move, the Bureau of Immigration has downgraded the visas of around 2,000 foreign POGO employees from work visas to tourist visas. This action aligns with President Marcos’ ban and affects the 43 remaining legal POGOs, now rebranded as IGLs by PAGCOR.
The Bureau of Immigration halted the acceptance and renewal of work visa applications for POGO employees on July 23, following the President’s announcement. It will accept voluntary downgrades of these visas until October 15. Foreign employees are expected to resolve their accountabilities, obtain necessary clearances, and exit the country within 59 days from the downgrade order.
According to earlier reports, employment permits for all POGO employees, both foreign and local, are set to remain valid until December 31 of this year, following the recent adjustment by PAGCOR. – AFP/Philippine Star
