Hontiveros to PAGCOR: Don't let POGOs evade accountability, justice as they exit

The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), which are seen to pull out soon, should still be held accountable for the unpaid taxes and alleged irregularities their industry is entangled with, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday.

This was after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) bared that two offshore gaming firms have already left and that more are expected to exit amid tax issues with the government.

Hontiveros emphasized that PAGCOR should be firm on its mandate on regulating even the egress of these POGOs.

"The sudden closure of these POGOS should not allow them to escape accountability and justice. Huwag natin payagan na pagkatapos nila kumita ng bilyon-bilyon dito sa ating bansa sa loob ng ilang taon, ay biglang tatakbuhan na lang ng mga POGO ang utang nilang buwis na tinatayang aabot sa Php70 billion," she said in a statement.

"POGO firms whose management and workers are involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, prostitution of women and children, unfair labor practice and other criminal activities should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," she added.

On Monday, her fellow senators welcomed the looming exodus of POGOs as "good riddance."

"Hindi kailangan ng Pilipinas ang isang industriya na walang ibang hatid kundi krimen, pang-aabuso, at pambibiktima ng Pilipino, lalo na laban sa kababaihan at mga menor de edad," Hontiveros said.

The senator added that the meager contribution of the offshore gaming industry to the Philippine economy does not outweigh the social costs incurred.

A US government report cited a sharp increase in human trafficking cases among foreign nationals in the Philippines, specifically in areas near POGO operations.

Hontiveros also underscored that the government should ensure the welfare of the 30,000 Filipinos who might lose jobs as POGO firms leave.

"With unemployment among Filipinos already at a record high, the Department of Labor and Employment should help these workers immediately find new jobs, businesses or other sources of income," she said.

The projected annual government revenues from POGOs is pegged at P20 billion but the actual collections in 2019 only reached P6 billion, according to the Department of Finance.—AOL, GMA News