By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Admitting that alien employment permits (AEPs) were no longer issued to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) firms following a Senate investigation into their alleged involvement in illegal activities in 2023, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on Wednesday (08 May 2024) revealed that their agency has already given around 8,000 AEPs to foreign workers employed in licensed internet gaming operators in the country for this year.
It can be recalled that the DOLE-NCR earlier announced it would stop issuing AEPs to foreign workers employed in POGO hubs, but it would only accept applications from employees for internet gaming licenses.
“Nagbibigay pa rin po. In fact, itong nakaraang January to April, may na-issuehan na at least 8,000, pero ito ay internet gaming license permits, hindi ito POGO,” Laguesma clarified during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum held at Cafe Adriatico in Malate district.
He explained that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) did some “cleansing”.
“Nilinis ng PAGCOR ang kanilang regulation. From POGO, nagkaroon ng transition sa internet gaming licenses… Naging strikto ang pagpapatupad, wala nang tatanggapin na POGO applicant,” Laguesma said.
He added: “Tuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay subalit mas mahigpit ang requirements. Also, wala na pong workers sa internet gaming licenses na work from home, dapat onsite para closely ma-monitor sila.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
