State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Wednesday clarified its support for business process outsourcing providers that serve overseas gaming companies.
PAGCOR said in a statement it supports special class business process outsourcing (SCBPO) companies, citing the sector’s contribution to providing thousands of jobs for Filipinos.
PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco assured foreign chambers of commerce that the state gaming firm would continue its advocacy for SCBPOs and their expanding operations 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.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the closure of all Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the country, but PAGCOR said SCBPOS are not POGOs.
Tengco said SCBPOs are similar to ordinary BPOs that support business operations in other countries, although they are licensed by PAGCOR because they cater to gaming companies abroad.
“The only difference from regular BPOs is that SCBPOs support the operations of legitimate gaming companies overseas, many of which are publicly traded firms, by providing human resources, marketing, graphic design, accounting and other back-office work,” Tengco said.
“We also make sure that the SCBPOs are not directly engaged in gaming operations such as taking or soliciting bets,” Tengco said
He said the SCBPO sector employs nearly 5,000 local workers, with plans to expand operations and hiring because foreign principals who run the companies find Filipinos exceptionally talented.
SCBPOs are required to hire Filipinos for at least 95 percent of their total workforce, ensuring job opportunities for local workers who also receive 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 said.