The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) has affirmed its support for the country’s so-called special class business process outsourcing (SCBPO) companies.
The statement from the gaming regulator followed the exodus of offshore online gaming operators – formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) –, whose legal operations ended in December last year.
BPO providers are business-to-business services companies that work with various sectors, including online gaming operators from overseas.
Pagcor chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco (pictured in a file photo) said, in comments at an event with some of the country’s foreign chambers of commerce, that the agency would continue to advocate for SCBPOs and their operations in the Philippines.
“We recognise the immense contribution of the SCBPOs in creating thousands of jobs for our countrymen, and we thank our foreign investors for recognising the unique talent of our workers who provide excellent outsourced services for them,” Mr Tengco was quoted as saying.
According to the CEO, SCBPOs 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 listed firms, by providing human resource, marketing, graphic design, accounting and other back office work,” Mr Tengco stated.
“We also make sure that the SCBPOs are not directly engaged in gaming operations such as taking or soliciting bets,” he added.
The announcement said that to date, the SCBPO sector “employs close to 5,000 local workers”. Those firms are “mandated to hire Filipinos for at least 95 percent of their total work force,” added the update.
“This industry has so much potential, and we are fully committed to its growth and capability to generate more employment for our people,” said Mr Tengco.
In November, Pagcor cautioned that offshore online gaming operators “misrepresenting themselves” as BPO providers “should be treated as a serious concern”.
Pagcor pledges support for special class BPOs, says they are not directly engaged in gaming operations
