Manila: Some 10,821 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have recently left the country, as confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday. During a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval revealed that these individuals are part of a larger group of over 21,757 foreigners involved in POGOs who have had their visas downgraded as of November 7.

According to Philippines News Agency, the remaining foreign workers associated with POGOs are anticipated to exit the Philippines within this month. This development follows an order mandating foreign POGO employees to downgrade their working visas, as the operations of these establishments have been instructed to cease by the Marcos administration. The companies have been granted time until the end of the year to conclude their activities.

Separately, Sandoval highlighted the necessity for legislative measures to penalize those leaving the country through illegal avenues. She pointed out that, unli
ke other nations, the Philippines currently lacks specific legislation targeting illegal departures. This issue has been brought to the forefront following allegations that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque left the Philippines for the United Arab Emirates via unlawful methods.

Sandoval indicated that the authorities are considering pursuing charges against Roque, such as falsification of public documents. She noted that Roque’s last documented travel was in July, when he returned from the United States.