Iloilo Provincial Capitol (PNA file photo by PGLena)
LOILO CITY – The city and provincial governments of Iloilo have announced that no Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are operating in the province.
“We don’t have a POGO in the province,” Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said Thursday.
Defensor said the province is “contented with BPOs (business process outsourcing),” noting that POGOs do not generate employment for Ilonggos.
However, he said, the province is working with the local police and mayors to address the concern about foreign nationals suspected of working in the province to “enforce the law that governs the situation.”
“For example, a foreigner cannot engage in a certain business. That's what we want to enforce,” Defensor said.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, meanwhile, released Executive Order 94, containing the city government's policy on POGO operations.
The EO stated that the POGO industry has been associated with corruption and other crimes and associated with the possible infringement of national security.
He also directed the City Treasurer’s Office, the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, and the Local Economic Enterprise Office, together with the Iloilo City Police, to “utilize their powers under the law to investigate any suspected POGO establishments in the city.” (PNA)
