Malaysian BPO secures interactive gaming license in the Philippines
BATAAN, PHILIPPINES — Central One Bataan, a Malaysian-owned business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, has been granted a license to operate interactive gaming by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).
This development comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.
Distinguishing Central One from POGOs
Unlike POGOs, which are regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Central One’s interactive gaming license is issued by AFAB.
This distinction was emphasized by Central One CEO Normann Chaw and AFAB Director Aurelio Angeles during a recent tour of the company’s facilities.
Chaw clarified that while POGOs engage in offshore gaming, Central One’s operations are currently focused on BPO services, with plans to expand into interactive gaming in the future.
Angeles also emphasized that AFAB’s gaming licenses do not use the term POGO.
“We have the authority to allow interactive gaming basically POGO but we don’t call it POGO, we call it interactive gaming,” he added
Substantial investment and local economic impact
During a tour of Central One’s facilities, Chaw showcased their extensive facilities, which include six two-story buildings on a 2.6-hectare site, featuring amenities such as a basketball court and a physical fitness gym.
The company invested PHP600 million (US$10 million) in its operations and employs 1,500 workers, including 90 foreign workers from Malaysia, Taiwan, Brazil, and Indonesia.
The tour was attended by local government officials, including Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Bagac Mayor Ramil del Rosario, and Orion Mayor Tony Raymundo.
Local government’s proactive measures
Governor Garcia highlighted the importance of local government oversight to prevent illegal activities.
“Instead of waiting for authorities to conduct raids, we, the local government units, take proactive measures to inspect businesses, especially BPOs and POGOs, to ensure no illegal activities are taking place,” he stated.
Mayor del Rosario echoed this sentiment, affirming that ongoing monitoring would continue to ensure compliance and safety for the community.
Still, del Rosario pointed out the positive economic impact of Central One’s operations, noting that the company contributes significantly to the local economy through employee spending on goods and services.
“In Bagac alone, they spend around PHP 10 million monthly on food,” he said, underscoring the importance of the jobs provided by Central One to the local community.
The POGO controversy in the Philippines
POGOs are entities that offer offshore gaming services, providing online games of chance to players outside the Philippines. However, they have been a source of significant controversy since their establishment in 2016.
Issues associated with POGOs include tax evasion and other criminal activities. Reports have highlighted the lack of background checks on operators and employees, leading to a rise in undocumented workers and various illegal activities. Just recently, a POGO firm named Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. was raided after it was reported for human trafficking and torture.
Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has been a vocal critic, pointing out that POGOs have brought more harm than good.
The economic benefits of POGOs are also under scrutiny, with concerns about their minimal contribution to the national economy and the potential risks they pose to businesses and institutions.
