The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines has initiated an investigation procedure for workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), who will be affected by the government's decision to cease all offshore gaming operator activities by the end of this year, as requested by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Patrick Patriwirawan Jr., the Director of the Bureau of Local Employment at DOLE, stated that according to data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), out of an estimated 40,692 Filipino workers in the offshore gaming operators industry, 27,747 have already been surveyed. According to the latest data, 19,754 workers have been surveyed in the Metro Manila area, 142 in Region III (Central Luzon), 7,387 in Calabarzon, and 14 in Region VII (Central Visayas). Reportedly, these workers earn an average monthly income between 16,000 Philippine pesos (approximately 280 USD) and 22,000 Philippine pesos (approximately 400 USD).
Patriwirawan outlined DOLE's strategy at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing and explained that the department follows a specific framework when the labor market experiences disruptions. “Once we detect such disruptions, we begin analyzing the affected workers,” he said.
He further noted that once the analysis is complete, DOLE provides various services for unemployed workers through its Public Employment Service Offices nationwide.
