MANILA -- Some of the biggest business groups in the Philippines support the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a statement, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio said the group calls for a tiered phaseout of POGO operations in the country.

The group said that a "haphazard, indiscriminate and sudden" closure of POGOs may cause massive job losses and related businesses--like food services and administrative support and transport services-- to close.

PCCI also said a sudden closure may hurt the commercial property sector, as many businessmen built office buildings to house the POGOs.

"PCCI is worried over the spillover effects of the POGO closures on the financial institutions who funded new office buildings to accommodate the POGOs, and the collateral damages for ancillary industries such as real estate and communication services," the group said.

"First, we call for the immediate closure of all POGOs operating illegally and without operating licenses," Mangio said.

"Second, we call on PAGCOR and other government agencies involved in regulating the POGO business including the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Immigration to carefully review the mandates from licenses, work licenses and tax obligations of the POGO operators,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alyansa Agrikultura, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines School of Economics Alumni Association noted that POGOs only contribute 0.2 percent to the country's gross domestic product.

"Compare this to the social costs which have direct effects on economic growth," they said.

The groups noted, however, that government must help re-skill and ensure opportunities for Filipino workers who may lose their jobs due to the ban.

They also called on authorities to allow industries affected by POGOs to find alternative uses for their assets.

Various government agencies have been calling for the closure of POGOs, saying that their economic costs outweigh the benefits.

Government agencies call for ban on POGOs anew

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