Duterte: POGOs are ‘clean,’ employ 20,000 in Manila

President Rodrigo Duterte maintained on Tuesday that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) that employ Chinese nationals have a “clean” record, adding that they employ thousands of Filipino workers.

In a speech before local executives in Pasay City, Duterte said there is no dirty money involved in POGOs as it is monitored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

“I will assure you under my oath of office as President of the Republic as elected by you, ‘yang POGO na 'yan insofar as kami dito, malinis 'yan,” he said.

“Laro lang 'yan para sa kanila but it employs something like 20,000 sa Maynila. Walang pera diyan, diretso sa PAGCOR.”

Duterte earlier insisted that there is “no corruption” in the POGO industry despite several exposes by different senators regarding their involvement in illegal activities.

The Palace has also said that the President is unlikely to shut down POGO operations in the country because he is “satisfied” with the revenue they generate.  — BAP, GMA News