POGO workers should have permits

Chinese nationals residing in Quezon City and employed at Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) were urged by former Quezon City Rep. and now Councilor Winston “Winnie” Castelo to secure their working permits.

The alderman said the permit should be applied prior to their employment the same way it is being applied to all ordinary Filipino employees working in fast-food chains, call centers and the like.

He urged POGO operators to ensure that all their employees apply and pay the necessary permits and fees before they can operate and work.

“The law should apply to all. No one should be above it” Castelo said.

The Chinese nationals, he added, must secure health certificates, Bureau of Immigration work permits and mayor’s permit and attend health seminars required by the local government.

Castelo stated that it would be unfair for ordinary Filipino workers if these Chinese nationals will get exemptions.

“Nobody is indispensable in terms of the execution of laws, national and local,” he stressed. “The payment of taxes will surely add to the city coffers and boost the necessary revenues to sustain the development initiatives of the administration of Mayor Joy Belmonte.”