MANILA, Philippines – Inaprubahan ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ang P50 million grant sa Bureau of Immigration (BI) para pondohan ang nagpapatuloy na deportation ng foreign workers na nagtrabaho sa illegal offshore gaming operators.
Sa pahayag nitong Martes, Hulyo 1, sinabi ng PAGCOR na pinirmahan ang memorandum of agreement nitong Hunyo 30 sa PAGCOR Executive Office sa Pasay City para isapormal ang pondo.
Ang halaga ay ilalabas sa dalawang tranch na may tig-P25 milyon.
Ibinigay ang unang tranche kasabay ng ceremonial signing.
Ayon kay PAGCOR chairperson at chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco, makatutulong ang grant para sakupin ang repatriation expenses ng illegal POGO workers na kasalukuyang nasa BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit.
“These individuals are unable to return to their home countries because they cannot afford a plane ticket. This grant will ensure they receive assistance in accordance with international laws and humanitarian considerations,” ani Tengco.
“PAGCOR has been continuously collaborating with the BI in enforcing the government’s ban on offshore gaming operations, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive last year,” dagdag pa.
Ani Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, nahaharap ang bansa sa lumalaking complex security environment na nangangailangan ng whole-of-government para ipatupad ang immigration laws.
“Fast-tracking the deportation cases of illegal POGO workers will help ensure a safer community for Filipinos. The BI’s partnership with PAGCOR is proof that our national government has the interest of the Filipinos at heart,” aniya. RNT/JGC
