SCBPOs are NOT POGOs: PAGCOR pledges support for growing sector

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPOs), citing the sector’s role in providing thousands of quality jobs for Filipinos.

In a statement on 19 February 2025, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco assured foreign chambers of commerce that the agency will continue advocating for SCBPOs and their expansion in the Philippines.

“We recognize the immense contribution of the SCBPOs in creating thousands of jobs for our countrymen, and we thank our foreign investors for recognizing the unique talent of our workers who provide excellent outsourced services for them,” Tengco said.

SCBPOs vs. POGOs

Tengco clarified that SCBPOs operate similarly to traditional BPOs but are licensed by PAGCOR because they support gaming companies abroad.

“The only difference from regular BPOs is that SCBPOs support the operations of legitimate gaming companies overseas, many of which are listed firms, by providing human resource, marketing, graphic design, accounting, and other back-office work,” Tengco explained.

He emphasized that SCBPOs are not directly engaged in gaming operations, such as taking or soliciting bets.

Currently, the SCBPO sector employs nearly 5,000 local workers, with plans for further expansion as foreign operators recognize the talent and skill of Filipino employees. The industry is mandated to hire Filipinos for at least 95% of its workforce, ensuring strong local employment opportunities with above-industry salaries.

“This industry has so much potential, and we are fully committed to its growth and capability to generate more employment for our people,” Tengco added.

PAGCOR’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts to differentiate SCBPOs from illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which are being phased out following a directive by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Last September, Senator Mark Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, led an inspection of SCBPOs in Aseana alongside Senator Win Gatchalian and PAGCOR Chairman Tengco.

"We conducted this inspection to understand how SCBPOs operate and to ensure they are not included in the planned closure of POGOs by the end of the year," Villar stated.

During the visit, Villar assured SCBPO workers that their jobs are secure, highlighting that the government is focused on shutting down illegal POGOs while protecting legitimate BPO employees.