Villanueva on brewing POGO exodus: ‘Good riddance’

Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday said the possible exit of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) would not scathe the country's economy and could rather be considered a relief.

"POGOs won't be a loss to the Philippine economy. We should attract companies that invest in Filipino people. Good riddance," Villanueva, chair of the Senate committee on labor, said in a statement.

"The failure of POGOs to adhere to our laws resulted in their exit. This is what happened, plain and simple," he added.

Outgoing POGO firms that would not settle their P50 billion unpaid taxes should be blacklisted and named publicly so that other countries would be warned of their behavior, he further said.

Villanueva stressed that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) should have been more proactive in regulating the POGO industry which is also being linked to the rise in criminality and prostitution cases in the country.

Last week, a US government report cited a "sharp increase" in human trafficking cases in the Philippines, particularly in areas where POGOs are located.

The PAGCOR confirmed on Sunday that two POGO firms left the Philippines and more are seen to exit amid tax issues with the government.

PAGCOR chair and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo said the possible pullout of POGO firms may affect over 30,000 Filipino workers hired in this industry.

With this development, Villanueva said the country remains open for business with other investors that would really create jobs for Filipinos and would abide with the laws of the land.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also welcomed the possible departure of offshore gaming operators as "good news." — BM, GMA News