Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he will make sure that work permits are "in order" for some 20,000 Chinese workers expected to flock to a planned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) complex in his province.

A wealthy Chinese-Filipino businessman reportedly purchased the former Island Cove resort from the influential Remulla and turned it into a 20-hectare POGO hub expected to open soon.

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"Kakausapin ko iyung may-ari, kakausapin ko iyung Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) kung anong patakaran nila," Remulla told radio DZMM.

"Sisiguraduhin namin na iyung work permits ng lahat ng taong napasok ay in order," he added.

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The country has seen the arrival of thousands of Chinese workers with the growth of the POGO industry, which has flourished because gambling is illegal in China and heavily opposed by its Communist government.

As of latest count, Pagcor has authorized the operation of 55 POGO operators, but only around 50 are reportedly operating due to lack of capital.

Sen. Leila De Lima last March asked the Senate to look into the reported failure of POGO firms to comply with government regulations on foreign workers, notably in paying appropriate personal income taxes due to the Philippine government.

The senator had said the flow of Chinese workers in the country has not only triggered a property surge in many developed areas but has displaced poor families who were evicted from their homes to accommodate Chinese businesses.

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DZMM, July 17, 2019