Conceern for POGO workers
DON’T look now, but the government is ready to help some thousands of workers who might be displaced should Congress bans offshore gaming operations in the country.
Several bills seeking the closure of all POGOs (Philippine Offshore Operators) are pending consideration in the 24-member Senate and the House of Representatives.
Government authorities said that an estimated 25,000 POGO workers are expected to lose their jobs once our lawmakers come up with a law closing all POGOs in the country.
A top official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that most of the POGO workers in the Philippines are employed as customer service representatives.
Aside from assisting these workers in finding new jobs and getting financial aid, DOLE also offers livelihood programs, said Labor Undersecretary Benjo Santos Benavidez.
Displaced POGO workers may also avail themselves of unemployment benefits from the Social Security System (SSS) equivalent to twice the half of the employee’s average monthly pay.
Likewise, DOLE, through the local government units’ Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) may refer affected POGO workers to companies with compatible vacant positions.
Admittedly, the national government needs to help jobless, the underemployed and other unfortunate members of Philippine society in looking for new jobs.
Certainly, it’s high time to discuss the pros and cons of banning the operations of POGOs in this Southeast Asian nation of English-speaking people.
It’s a move in the right direction.
