Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino urged the government to assist Filipino workers displaced by the closure of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), calling on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help them find new jobs and prevent discrimination in hiring.
Tolentino also asked the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to coordinate efforts with DOLE.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has downgraded around 10,000 visas of foreign POGO workers, who must voluntarily switch to temporary visitor visas by October 15 to stay in the country legally.
President Marcos has directed foreign POGO workers to leave by year-end, and the government formed an inter-agency task force to oversee the closure of POGOs and assist affected employees.
Workers who fail to meet the deadline will face deportation and blacklisting.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 8, 2024
