Kapamilya star Enchong Dee questioned the importance of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) against other businesses since it was being allowed a partial resumption of operations.
In a tweet, Enchong asked about the difference between POGOs and other professions.
“Question? Anong pagkakaiba ng mga POGO sa ibang profession para ma-lift ang ECQ soon? Is it Revenues? Is it their connections? Is it their ability to bribe? Is POGO industry exempted from contracting COVID19? Seriously… gusto ko malinawan,” he tweeted.
Question?
Anong pagkakaiba ng mga POGO sa ibang profession para ma-lift ang ECQ soon? Is it Revenues? Is it their connections? Is it their ability to bribe? Is POGO industry exempted from contracting COVID19?
Seriously… gusto ko malinawan.
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) May 1, 2020
On May 1, Malacanang announced the partial resumption of POGO operations in the country.
In a statement by Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque, he said the IATF has approved the partial resumption of POGO operations because it is considered as an essential company.
“Essential ito kasi we need revenues. Revenue-generating. Employment-generating. But with no threat in spreading COVID-19,” he said.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chief Andrea Domingo was said to have lobbied for POGOs reopening, arguing its revenues can be a significant source of funds for the government’s COVID-19 response.
Roque also added that POGOs are part of the BPO industry hence should be allowed to resume its operations.
“Sa tingin ko ang POGOs ay nasa BPO. Ang pagkakaintindi ko ang POGO ay hindi naman dito ang sugal. Ang sugal niyan ay abroad at ang ginagawa ng mga POGO centers parang silang BPO talaga nandito lang hardware at software. Wala naman na physical na nangyayari na sugal,” said Roque.
Meanwhile, the BPO firms in the country have rejected Roque’s opinion that POGOs are part of their industry.
In a statement, IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) president Rey Untal said POGOs cannot be considered as part of the business process outsourcing industry.
“As far as the IT-BPM industry is concerned…, POGOs, as they are commonly called, cannot be considered as business process outsourcing,” he said.
Netizens meanwhile shared their answers to Enchong’s question.
Revenue primarily and connection to the top.
— Deodato Malaya (@malayadeodato) May 1, 2020
ang tanong mo ay nasagot na ni @attyharryroque tama ba atty! ang katotohan lalot BULOk kahit anong tago pilit na aamoyhttps://t.co/MuJHSzZf7t
— Ang sinungaling ay magnanakaw! (@nelreis_) May 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/JulianaMaranan/status/1256093981059936261
Sabi nga ni Roque, ang POGO ang nagbibigay ng cash sa presidente. Kaya kahit hindi sila magbayad ng tax ok lang.
— CaliBash (@TonieBartolome) May 1, 2020
Pogo direcho sa Malacanang yung ibang negosyo derecho sa BIR.
— Lucifer_24 (@Lucifer88376303) May 1, 2020
In reality mas pinahahalagahan ng Gobyerno ang kapakanan ng mga chinese kesa sa mga pilipino… mas mahal ni digong ang china…
— Doc Jay (@drjaysolis) May 1, 2020
