By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Some 10,821 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have left the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said these workers are part of more than 21,757 foreigners employed in POGOs “who have downgraded their visas as of Nov. 7”.
Sandoval said the remaining foreigners that worked in POGOs are expected to leave this month.
Foreign employees of POGOs have been ordered to downgrade their working visas, as these establishments have been ordered to cease operations by the Marcos administration.
These companies were given until the end of the year to wrap up operations.
Penalizing illegal departure
Sandoval, meanwhile, cited the need for legislation in penalizing persons who depart the country through illegal means.
“One thing that was noted by our legal team is there is no legislation, specifically penalizing illegal departures in the country, unlike in other countries where there is a specific legislation on it,” Sandoval added.
This came after former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque departed the Philippines for the United Arab Emirates allegedly through illegal means.
Sandoval said they are studying the filing of falsification of public documents, among other possible charges, against Roque.
She said Roque’s last recorded travel was in July when he came home from the United States. (PNA)
