by Lara Athena F. Recuenco

It is without a doubt that the rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has brought hundreds of billions of pesos into the Philippine economy, making this sector one of the crucial sources of the country’s revenue. Yet, beneath the surface of this economic gain lies a vast number of troubling risks, which threaten the safety of the Filipino people and tarnish the country’s image.

As the Philippines navigates through all these complex issues surrounding the operations of POGOs, one question begs to be answered: Is the economic reward worth the ever-escalating danger posed to public safety and order and to the national interests?

Crimes Linked to POGO Operations

Ever since POGOs were introduced in the Philippines, there has been a significant increase in crime rates, most of which include Chinese and other foreign nationals.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), there have already been over three hundred citizens of various nationalities who fell victim to crimes related to POGOs. These crimes include, among others, human trafficking, kidnap for ransom, money laundering, illegal detention, and scams—and as long as POGOs are still running in the country, so many of these cases may rise and even get worse.

In 2022 alone, the PNP reported a total of forty POGO-related crimes, which is a significant increase from the nine cases reported way back in 2019. On the other hand, it is noted that from January to June 2023, there was a sharp increase with 4,039 victims, of which POGO activities are associated with sixty killings.

These statistics reveal a disturbing trend, as it seems that POGOs have become hotspots for criminal activity in the country. The large number and severity of these crimes put a heavy burden on the country’s citizens.

The escalating crime rates and security concerns have prompted decisive action to address the negative impacts associated with their operations.

For instance, the PNP has ramped up its efforts to combat crimes that are associated with POGO through conducting more frequent raids on locations suspected of being involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. In 2023, the PNP was able to rescue over 200 individuals in an anti-human trafficking operation linked to POGO.

The Impact of POGOs on Filipino Employment Opportunities

Furthermore, POGOs have also been associated with certain employment benefits, including the creation of jobs and other economic contributions. However, it is important to note that a significant portion of POGO employment has actually been occupied by foreign nationals, the number of which even surpasses the employment of Filipinos. 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that the POGO industry created an annual average of 57,436 jobs from 2019 to 2023. But it was foreign nationals that occupied 37,269 of those jobs, while only about 20,167 of them were filled by Filipinos. 

This data raises concerns about the actual benefits of POGOs to the local workforce, as a substantial number of employment opportunities have been taken by foreign workers, potentially limiting the advantages for Filipino job seekers.

Ultimately, this entails that even though these operations are based in the Philippines, it is not really the Filipino workers that are benefiting the most. In addition, this also shows how POGO is more focused on serving foreign nationals, rather than improving the economic situation for local people.

Geopolitical Tensions and the POGO Industry

The geopolitical conflict regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) poses more problems in the POGO dilemma, as a significant number of Chinese workers in the country are engaged in the gaming industry. 

With China’s strong claims over the WPS, Filipinos worry about both their territory and how much influence China has on the country. Some people think that the POGOs and the arrival of Chinese workers might be a way for China to gain more control over the Philippines, not just in business but in political influence as well.

Overall, this situation makes it difficult for the government to balance the benefits of POGOs with the possible security risks they bring. And as tensions grow in the WPS, Filipinos are even more cautious about the POGO industry’s impact on national interests.

Balancing Economic Gains with National Security and Public Safety

Despite how POGOs have significantly contributed to the Philippine economy, generating approximately ₱32 billion in revenues in 2019, it should be noted that the economic benefits POGOs provide do not justify the growing risks to public safety, national integrity, and security of the country. The rise in crime, limited job opportunities for Filipinos, and concerns over foreign influence raise dilemmas about the true impact of this industry. 

Indeed, revenue generation is crucial, but it most definitely should not come at the expense of society’s well-being and safety. The real question is not just about whether or not POGOs should keep operating but about whether the Philippines can risk its principles and future stability for quick economic benefits. 

As a course of action, the House of Representatives Committee on Games and Amusement has recently approved House Bill No. 10987, that seeks to ban all POGOs in the Philippines. The said bill, called the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act, aims to put a stop to POGO activities entirely, as well as impose strict penalties on anyone found violating the ban. If this bill is passed, it could lead to a major change in how the government handles offshore gaming in the Philippines.

With that being said, policymakers need to think carefully about these issues, making sure to put national interests first. It’s essential to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Filipino people. In the end, a balance must be sought between economic growth and protecting the community.