Makati homeowners alarmed over POGO staff accommodations in villages

The Makati Inter-Village Association (MIVA) said Monday that they were alarmed by the allegedly unauthorized conversion of houses in its villages into accommodations for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees.

In a letter to homeowners, MIVA, whose members include the Forbes Park Association Inc., Dasmarinas Village Association, Magallanes Village Association, Urdaneta Village Association, Bel-Air Village Association, San Lorenzo Village Association, said that this violated the One Single Family Dwelling Use rule which was fundamental to maintaining the residential character of villages.

“It ensures that our communities remain cohesive to family life, promotes safety, and preserves the peaceful environment that we all cherish,” said the association.

“Unfortunately, the unauthorized conversion of houses into staff accommodations of offshore gambling firms not only undermines these principles but also poses a clear and present danger to the security and safety of our community and undermines the very essence of our residential neighborhoods.”

Due to this, MIVA said they would strictly implement the rule.

It warned that penalties for violating the Single Family Dwelling Use rule would be adjusted, and homeowners who knowingly allowed these violations would be held accountable.

“In the same manner, brokers who facilitate the entry of illegal tenants will be blacklisted in future lease transactions,” MIVA warned.

MIVA said it will also coordinate with local authorities to address the violation of the Makati Zoning Ordinance and the Single Family Dwelling Use rule.

“Thus, we urge all homeowners and residents to uphold the ‘Single Family Dwelling Use’ Rule. By working together, we can ensure that our community remains a place of peace and harmony,” it said.

GMA News Online had sought the Makati City government's comment on the matter, but the LGU had yet to respond as of posting time. 

During his third State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was banning all POGOs in the country by the end of the year. — DVM, GMA Integrated News