DOLE draws up plan to aid workers in case of POGOs ban

Assistance will be provided to affected workers in case a ban will be imposed against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), its Undersecretary Benjo Santos Benavidez said on Wednesday.

“Maigi po naming tingnan yung labor market information para mas kagyat po natin silang mabigyan ng tulong just in case po mawawalan ng hanapbuhay o trabaho,” he said at a public briefing.

(It would be good if we check the labor market information so we can immediately help them just in case they will lose their jobs.)

According to him, the dismissal of workers is a common part of the labor market.

In light of this, he said the government in coordination with the private sector should implement comprehensive social protection policies and programs to help the affected labor force.

Under the labor code, Benavidez said that workers should receive separation pay so they can use it for their daily needs while they look for a new job.

He added that unemployment insurance is also being offered to affected workers.

DOLE also has job facilitation programs like job fairs and referrals for the affected workers.

According to Benavidez, DOLE has issued around 23,000 alien employment permits to POGO workers this year.

DOLE said it has been conducting inspections on POGO firms. According to him, most of their violations are the lack of  alien employment permits and non-compliance of to Occupational Safety and Health Standards. —LBG, GMA News