Eight organizations, including local business groups, have called on the government to safeguard the well-being of Filipino workers at risk of job loss in case of a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, July 17, the groups also emphasized the need for the government to facilitate affected industries by the potential POGO ban in exploring alternative options for utilizing their assets.

Nevertheless, the groups expressed their full support for the Department of Finance and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recommendation to completely ban POGOs.

“The government should also help, re-skill, and ensure opportunities for Filipino workers who may lose their jobs due to the ban and allow industries affected by POGOs to find alternative uses for their assets,” read the groups’ joint statement.

The eight organizations are Alyansa Agrikultura, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines and UP School of Economics Alumni Association.

Citing data from the NEDA, the groups pointed out that POGO investments made a meager contribution of 0.2 percent to the economy, which paled compared to the significant social costs associated with the industry that directly impact economic growth.

“Recent Senate hearings and statements by NEDA have illustrated that POGOs have been linked to negative externalities, particularly involvement in crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering, among others,” the groups said.

According to them, out of the 31 cases of kidnappings in 2022, 55 percent of them were POGO-related. 

“The crimes related to POGO investments can hinder growth, affect investor perception, and potentially affect our bilateral and multilateral relations,” the groups said.