GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE ALL POGOS BY YEAR-END, DEPORT WORKERS

Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are required to cease operations by December 31, following President Marcos’ executive order banning online gaming. The Department of the Interior and Local Government will monitor closures, starting December 15, to ensure compliance, and visas of foreign workers will become invalid once operations end. Recently, 187 Chinese nationals linked to POGOs were deported, adding to the over 2,000 deported under the current administration. Efforts to eradicate POGOs include tackling “guerrilla-type” operations across provinces. The Department of Labor and Employment is hosting a job fair to assist displaced workers, offering over 4,000 local job opportunities.