According to GMA News, the Bureau of Immigration stated on July 23 that following the President's order to completely ban offshore gambling (POGO), the Bureau will revoke the visas of foreign employees working for offshore gambling companies.
Bureau Chief Chen Xinge stated in a declaration that the Bureau will coordinate with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and the Department of Labor to cancel all types of documents issued to offshore gambling companies and their foreign employees.
Chen Xinge supports President Marcos's stance that the social losses caused by the offshore gambling industry have exceeded its economic benefits. The Bureau has already deported more than 2,300 foreigners working in gambling and cyber fraud parks.
Additionally, it was reported that the regulatory body, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), has requested the President to exempt 12 offshore gambling companies from the ban.
Pagcor stated that there are currently 43 offshore gambling operators (POGO) in the Philippines, of which only 12 are merely customer service agencies for gambling companies.
Pagcor Chairman Tengge also mentioned that they have contractual relationships with some offshore gambling companies, and the plans for these companies to exit need to be clearly organized.
Tengge said: "This is the order I gave to Pagcor's legal department this morning, as I might be subject to charges."
