Senator says PAGCOR must do more to prevent spread of Coronavirus

Senator Joel Villanueva says regulator must do more to ensure its licensees are implementing measures to contain deadly virus.

Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is being urged by the government to ensure that all of its licensees are implementing measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Senator Joel Villanueva delivered a statement to the gaming regulator saying that PAGCOR  “should fulfil its mandate, and not merely rely on other agencies like the interior department to conduct surveillance on industries they are supposed to monitor.”

He mentioned that workers in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) may have returned from areas affected by the Coronavirus.

He said they “should strictly observe quarantine procedures implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) which is to undergo a 14-day isolation, among others” and added that since the agency issues licenses to POGO workers, “it is PAGCOR’s job to ensure workers comply with relevant health regulations.”

“Any regulation enforced as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak takes into consideration public safety and welfare. If they cannot comply with our laws, regulations, and standards, they have no place to do business in the Philippines,” he concluded.