Business groups support phased POGO shutdown to avoid job losses

Major business groups in the Philippines support the phased closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing concerns over sudden shutdowns leading to significant job losses and impacts on related industries.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio warned that a hasty closure could cause massive job displacement, affecting sectors such as food services, administrative support, and transportation.

The PCCI also expressed concern over the financial impact on commercial property developers who built office spaces for POGOs and the potential collateral damage to ancillary industries like real estate and communication services.

Data shows that office space transactions for POGOs have declined by 15% annually in the first half of 2024, far from their peak in 2019.

The groups urged the government to help re-skill workers who may lose their jobs due to the ban and allow affected industries to find alternative uses for their assets.

Various government agencies continue to call for the closure of POGOs, arguing that their negative impacts outweigh any benefits, with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto recommending a ban to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.