A resolution has been filed by four lawmakers to conduct a congressional inquiry into the operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in light of allegations of unregistered foreign workers, non-payment of income taxes and related issues on the implementation of Section 25, 1997 National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), Immigration Rules and Regulations, and the Labor Code of the Philippines due to an influx of foreign workers for the POGO Industry.

Authors of the resolution are Minority Leader Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., Deputy Speaker and CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eduardo Villanueva, Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Manila Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez.

Deputy Speaker Villanueva said that the investigation aims to regulate the POGO industry and to ensure that the government is able to properly collect revenues from its operations. “With the current issues on taxation, labor, immigration, and security, among others, surrounding the POGO industry, we can surmise that it is doing more harm to our society than good. Hence, we call on the government—our fellow legislators—to conduct a no-nonsense investigation on its existence and entire operations in our country, and come up with a comprehensive legislation that will not just benefit our economy but, most of all, protect the welfare of all Filipinos.” Villanueva stated.

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier estimated that around P2-billion worth of personal income taxes are not being collected from POGO workers on a monthly basis. While Minority House leader Abante said there are 63,855 documented foreigners working in the POGO industry according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) “But there are some estimates that peg the number at 120,000, and until today the government is still reconciling its data,” he said.

Aside from the revenue losses, the lawmakers were also concerned over the presence of POGO hubs near military facilities, mentioning that the investigation will address the possible threats this may hold.

Among the military bases near POGO hubs include Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame in Quezon City; the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, the Army and Marine headquarters in Taguig City, the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila and Sangley Point in Cavite City.