PAGCOR grants funds for repatriation of illegal gaming workers
The grant will be used to cover repatriation expenses for foreign nationals held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit.
The Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has approved a PHP50m (US$884,750) grant to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to facilitate the deportation of foreign nationals employed by illegal gambling operators. The funding was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on Monday (June 30) at the PAGCOR Executive Office in Pasay City.
The amount will be released in two tranches of PHP25m each. The first tranche was disbursed during the ceremonial signing.
Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR chairman and CEO, said the grant will help cover the repatriation expenses of illegal POGO workers currently held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit.
“These individuals are unable to return to their home countries because they cannot afford a plane ticket,” Tengco said. “This grant will ensure they receive assistance in accordance with international laws and humanitarian considerations.”
He added: “PAGCOR has been continuously collaborating with the BI in enforcing the government’s ban on offshore gaming operations, following president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive last year,” the PAGCOR chief said. “This inter-agency effort is not just about sending people home; it also ensures that only legitimate gaming operations are allowed in our country.”
“Since I assumed the leadership of PAGCOR, I have always been open to help and collaborate with our partner agencies,” he said. “We look forward to deepening this collaboration with the BI to help create a safe and progressive place for all Filipinos.”
“Fast-tracking the deportation cases of illegal POGO workers will help ensure a safer community for Filipino. The BI’s partnership with PAGCOR is proof that our national government has the interest of the Filipinos at heart.”
