Offshore gaming operations may resume limited operations subject to health precautions in community quarantine areas, a Palace official announced yesterday.
According to presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators are considered Business Process Outsourcing companies that are allowed to operate in places under quarantine.
These offshore gaming operations, however, may employ only 30 percent of its workforce based on the information from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair Andrea Domingo, Roque said.
“Narinig ko na interview kanina ni Ginang Andrea Domingo at ang papayagan yata na operation, mabuti na PAGCOR ang mag-discuss nito, ay hanggang 30 percent lamang at kinakailangan magkaroon ng testing bago magpapasok ang 30 percent workforce,” he said.
Roque explained that online gaming services are part of the BPOs, citing that they cater to markets outside the country.
“Sa tingin ko ang POGOs ay nasa BPO. Ang pagkakaintindi ko ang POGO ay hindi naman dito ang sugal. Ang sugal niyan ay abroad at ang ginagawa ng mga POGO centers parang silang BPO talaga nandito lang hardware at software. Wala naman na physical na nangyayari na sugal,” he said.
Roque also said POGOs will only be allowed to operate under both the enhanced and general community quarantines if they pay their taxes correctly. (Genalyn Kabiling and Argyll Geducos)
