POGOs donate P150 million for COVID-19 relief efforts, says PACGOR

The controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have donated P150 million to help the government in its response and relief efforts in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in the country, industry regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said Saturday.

During the Laging Handa press briefing on Saturday, PAGCOR chairperson Andrea Domingo said the P150-million donation from POGOs are comprised of food packs and medical supplies.

“[Around] P90 million is for medical supplies and P60 million sa pagkain,” Domingo said.

Casino giants City of Dreams, Resorts World Manila, and Okada Manila also donated food packs and medical supplies and equipment for COVID-19 response.

“Ang City of Dreams nag-donate ng P50 million worth of food packs. Ang Resorts World, P50M medical equipment and supplies. Ang Okada naman worth P50 million sa PGH (Philippine General Hospital) para sa testing machines, test kits, at supplies,” Domingo said.

The PAGCOR chair said the donations from gaming stakeholders is on top of the P2.5 billion the company has already donated to the national government to address the COVID-19 threat. 

It will also remit to the Bureau of Treasury P12 billion in dividends for 2019.

“Ang P12 billion ay maibibigay na namin sa National Treasury sa March 24. Sila po ang magde-decide kung saan nila dadalhin ito,” Domingo said. —KG, GMA News