All foreign Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) workers will be required to use Gaming Employment License (GEL) identification cards issued by Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
House Committee on Games and Amusement vice-chairman and Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong reiterated that GEL IDs will help the government in monitoring the rise in numbers of POGO workers in the country.
“We cannot pretend anymore that POGO industry is small. We should have a system to monitor them. That’s why we are pushing for the GEL ID,” said Ong.
One of its purpose is to prevent crimes involving POGO workers just like the recent kidnapping incident in Makati City.
The lawmaker also clarified that such movement will also help Bureau of Internal Revenue in tax mapping for POGO sector.
The GEL IDs costs P4,000 per person. It will also help the immigration and law enforcement personnel in identifying workers who has license from those who do not have.
As of now, there are almost 200 POGO service providers operating in the Philippines with 100,000 foreign workers.
(With reports from Bombo Dave Vincent Pasit)
