Robin Padilla seeks inquiry on gov't plan for affected POGO workers

Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the government's plans for Filipino workers who will be affected by the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

"Considering the thousands of Filipino workers who will be adversely affected by the impending closure of POGO operations in the country, the public has the right to be informed of the planned actions and the programs to be implemented by the government to address this issue," Padilla said in filing proposed Senate Resolution 1091.

The resolution was filed after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), ordered the total banning of POGO operations in the country.

Marcos instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to wind down and cease all POGO operations by the end of the year, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to find new jobs for Filipinos who would lose employment.

Padilla wants the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he chairs, to conduct the inquiry in aid of legislation.

Apart from Padilla's resolution, Senator Joel Villanueva has filed a bill seeking a total ban on POGO.

The bill proposed a a worker's transition program, instructing DOLE to formulate and implement plans and programs for the skilling, upskilling, and reskilling of affected Filipino workers.

DOLE is also mandated under the measure to coordinate with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other relevant agencies for the training and transition of the affected workers to quality jobs. —Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA Integrated News