Drilon opposes resumption of POGOs amid quarantine

Senator Franklin Drilon on Tuesday expressed opposition to the resumption of operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) while the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) remains over Luzon.

"I am totally against resumption of POGO operations," the lawmaker said in a statement.

His remarks came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) allowed POGOs to be back in business, albeit mainly on a work from home set up, while 25% of the workforce could report to select sites should flexible work arrangements be unavailable.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon from March 17 to April 13. It has since been extended to last until April 30 given the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Essential workers, however, such as frontline health care workers are exempted from the quarantine.

"A selective lockdown is being proposed for two reasons: (a)to allow essential industries, such as construction and manufacturing,  to operate in order to revive our economy; (b) enable workers to earn income," said Drilon.

"The resumption of POGO will not serve the rationale for a partial lifting of the ECQ to enable essential industries to operate. Since when did POGO become an essential industry?" he added.

PAGCOR on March 18 ordered the temporary suspension of POGOs and their respective service providers following the issuance of the guidelines banning online gambling amid the ECQ. —LDF, GMA News