26 licensed POGOs err for having same address with their service providers —AMLC

Almost half of the 62 registered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country are sharing the same address with their supposed service providers, apparently violating the requirement of the government, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Thursday.

"Out of the 62, the 26 have common addresses with a service provider. Dapat po magkaiba po iyon... That means pareho lang po ang POGO licensee at service provider," AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Mel Georgie Racela said during a Senate hearing for the financial intelligence unit's P85-million budget.

"Ang requirement po ng PAGCOR ay dapat magha-hire ka ng service provider, kahit na ikaw ay offshore, magha-hire ka ng service provider sa Pilipinas para nabe-benefit pa rin ang ating economy," he added.

Racela said the AMLC is still gathering information on the owners of the said erring licensed POGOs and vowed to furnish the Senate a copy of available details as early as next week.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the POGO industry was among the first ones that were allowed to resume operations, provided that they settle their unpaid taxes with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and follow strict health protocols.

In June, PAGCOR warned of the looming POGO exodus because of tax "issues" with the government.

Some senators called it "good riddance" as POGOs were being linked to the rise in criminality and prostitution cases in the country.—LDF, GMA News