Sen Padilla files reso to probe POGO closure impact

Sen. Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Resolution No. 1091 to investigate the government's plans for workers displaced by the closure of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

Padilla directed the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he heads, to probe into the matter following President Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his third State of the Nation Address to ban all POGO operations in the country by the end of 2024.

The resolution aims to address concerns about thousands of Filipino workers affected by the closure, as Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco reported that around 31,000 direct POGO employees and over 9,000 special business process outsourcing workers will lose their jobs.

Days after the SONA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) outlined plans to ensure laid-off Pogo workers continue to have decent jobs, including profiling workers' skills and expertise.

Among DOLE's interventions are employment facilitation and referrals based on workers' abilities and preferences to help them transition into new roles.