The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has approved a P50 million grant to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to support the repatriation of foreign nationals employed by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The funding, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 30 June at the PAGCOR Executive Office in Pasay City, will be released in two tranches of P25 million. The first tranche was disbursed during the ceremonial signing.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the grant aims to cover the cost of deporting foreign nationals currently held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit who are unable to return home due to financial constraints.

“These individuals are unable to return to their home countries because they cannot afford a plane ticket,” Mr. Tengco said. “This grant will ensure they receive assistance in accordance with international laws and humanitarian considerations.”

Tengco added that the initiative supports PAGCOR’s broader mission to promote a clean and legitimate gaming industry in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on illegal offshore gaming operations.

“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,” the PAGCOR chief said. “This inter-agency effort is not just about sending people home; it also ensures that only legitimate gaming operations are allowed in our country,” Mr. Tengco said.

Tengco also expressed his gratitude to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado for the BI’s continued partnership with PAGCOR.

“Since I assumed the leadership of PAGCOR, I have always been open to help and collaborate with our partner agencies,” he said. “We look forward to deepening this collaboration with the BI to help create a safe and progressive place for all Filipinos.”

For his part, Commissioner Viado said the deportation of illegal POGO workers contributes to public safety and national security.

“Fast-tracking the deportation cases of illegal POGO workers will help ensure a safer community for Filipinos,” he said.

Viado emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges and maintaining the integrity of immigration laws.