PAGCOR Approves PHP50 Million Grant to Fund Deportation of Foreign Workers

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has approved a significant grant to support the deportation of foreign workers employed by illegal offshore gaming operators. The PHP50 million funding will be utilized by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to cover repatriation expenses of those held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit. This collaborative effort aims to enforce the government's ban on offshore gaming operations, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year. The grant will be released in two tranches of PHP25 million each, with the first tranche already disbursed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has approved a PHP50 million grant to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to fund the deportation of foreign workers employed by illegal offshore gaming operators.
  • The grant will be released in two tranches of PHP25 million each, with the first tranche already disbursed during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement.
  • The funds will be utilized to cover repatriation expenses of illegal POGO workers currently held at the BI Warden Facility and Protection Unit, ensuring they receive assistance in accordance with international laws and humanitarian considerations.
  • PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the grant will help ensure the individuals can return to their home countries due to the unaffordability of plane tickets, highlighting PAGCOR's continued collaboration with the BI in enforcing the government's ban on offshore gaming operations.
  • Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado noted that fast-tracking the deportation cases of illegal POGO workers will contribute to ensuring a safer community for Filipinos, demonstrating the national government's interest in protecting its citizens.
  • The partnership between PAGCOR and the BI serves as proof of the government's commitment to addressing the complexities of immigration and upholding the law responsibly.

Statistics:

  • PHP50 million approved grant by PAGCOR to fund the deportation of foreign workers.
  • Two tranches of PHP25 million each to be released to the BI.
  • First tranche of PHP25 million already disbursed.
  • Over PHP100 million already spent by PAGCOR on ongoing deportation efforts.

Sources:

  • Philippines News agency (July 01, 2025)
  • PAGCOR statement (June 30, 2025)
  • Bureau of Immigration - Administration and Support Group (Source not available on July 01, 2025; originally referenced in the source material for further information but not included in the original response)