The Inter-Agency Task Force has authorized Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to resume partial operations during the quarantine period.
They stated that online gambling services are part of the business process outsourcing (BPO) market, which have been permitted to operate under the new quarantine rules.
This news caught the attention of singer Bituin Escalante who raised a few questions on her Twitter account.
“Pilipino lang ang may obligasyon to flatten the curve? Kailan pa naging essential ang POGO?”
Pilipino lang ang may obligasyon to flatten the curve?
Kailan pa naging essential ang POGO? https://t.co/l8lGlMBMHL— bituin escalante (@gobituin) May 1, 2020
Netizens were also shocked on the resumed operations despite the quarantine.
https://twitter.com/Pugenggeng/status/1256058974937346048?s=20
https://twitter.com/bisdak_ni/status/1256200394239246336?s=20
Bituin is known for openly criticizing the government for the bungling way it has been handling the coronavirus crisis.
She even called the government ‘inutil’ for trying to investigate Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and Vice President Leni Robredo for competently doing their work during the crisis.
ANG ATING INUTIL NA PAMAHALAAN.
Pinagiinitan ang mahuhusay na mga Mayor, LGU at ang ating Bise Presidente.
MAGPAQUARANTINE NA LANG KAYO! WALA NA KAYONG MAGANDANG NAITULONG. STAY AT HOME!!! https://t.co/aVGQBu7QIy
— bituin escalante (@gobituin) April 2, 2020
Whoever in THIS GOVERNMENT who stands idly by as China again reinforces its armed invasion of Philippine territories is as guilty of the HIGHEST TREASON as THIS TRAITOROUS GANGSTER REGIME
China & THEY are Enemies of Filipinos & are accountable #Dutexit pic.twitter.com/BqMm2fvYEJ
— Philip Tangco (@p_dt) April 26, 2020
But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that only 30 percent of the total number of employees are allowed to report for work,
“Ang BPOs po ay ina-allow. Ang POGO po talaga ay BPO,” he said in a media briefing.
According to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), President Andrea Domingo has collaborated with government officials to allow POGOs to reopen, arguing that revenue from POGOs can be a significant source of funding for the government’s COVID-19 response.
“Essential ito kasi we need revenues. Revenue-generating. Employment-generating. But with no threat in spreading COVID-19.”
With the approval of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Karen Davila questioned the government’s special treatment of the Chinese-owned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry in the country.
What makes POGO so special? https://t.co/GGMxFng3Si
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) March 15, 2020
