Marcos bans 43 IGLs, affecting 40K Filipino workers

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Alejandro Tengco clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to wind down Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) refers to Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), of which there are 43 currently operating with licenses.

These 43 IGLs employ around 31,000 Filipinos directly and another 9,800 in BPO roles, totaling approximately 40,000 workers who will be affected by the POGO ban. This excludes indirect employment such as drivers, security guards, messengers, and helpers.

PAGCOR assistant vice president Catalino Alano Jr. confirmed that IGLs are synonymous with POGOs and serve offshore markets primarily in Mainland China, parts of the US, and Europe.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto disclosed that reputational risks and indirect economic costs are significant factors contributing to the negative impact of POGOs on the Philippine economy, resulting in a net annual loss of PHP 99.52 billion according to the Finance Department's cost-benefit analysis.

During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos announced that all POGOs are banned effective immediately.