The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has dismissed a fake memo circulating online that claimed all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) would be closed down imminently. The memo, which bore the official letterhead of PAGCOR, caused panic and confusion among POGO operators and employees.
In a statement released by PAGCOR, the gaming regulator clarified that the purported memo was false and that there are no plans to shut down POGO operations in the country. “We would like to assure everyone that PAGCOR has not issued any memo ordering the immediate closure of POGO operations. This is fake news and should not be taken seriously,” the statement read.
The fake memo, which began circulating on social media earlier this week, claimed that PAGCOR had decided to shut down all POGO operations due to alleged violations of gaming regulations. It also stated that all POGO workers would be deported back to their home countries.
The news of the impending closures spread quickly among POGO operators, employees, and stakeholders, leading to fears of job losses and economic repercussions. However, PAGCOR officials moved swiftly to dispel the rumors and reassure the public that the memo was a hoax.
POGOs have become a major source of revenue for the Philippine government, with thousands of Chinese nationals working in the industry. The sector has faced scrutiny in recent years over issues such as illegal gambling, tax evasion, and the influx of Chinese workers in the country.
PAGCOR has been working to address these issues through stricter regulations and enforcement measures aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the industry. The gaming regulator has also been in talks with POGO operators to address their concerns and improve compliance with Philippine gaming laws.
In light of the fake memo incident, PAGCOR has urged the public to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any official communications from the gaming regulator. The agency has also warned against spreading false information that could cause panic and disrupt the operations of POGO operators.
As the Philippines continues to navigate the challenges posed by the POGO industry, PAGCOR remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in gaming regulation. The gaming regulator will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent gaming environment that benefits both the industry and the Philippine economy.
