ASPAP denies allegations of Illegal testing of POGO workers

MANILA, Philippines – The Accredited Service Providers Association of PAGCOR (ASPAP) denied allegations that POGO service providers are running underground hospitals exclusively for foreign workers infected with coronavirus.

 

ASPAP Spokesperson Atty. Margarita Gutierrez said on Wednesday that company clinics within their members’ establishments are legitimate.

“These clinics are well aware and equipped with the necessary safeguards and health protocols to battle against COVID-19,” she said.

Guttierez also reiterated that the government pays nothing for the cost of the COVID-19 tests of POGO workers.

“In fact, ASPAP and other service providers are the ones providing free testing for Filipino workers and even for their families,” she added.

She added that POGO workers who will test positive for COVID-19 will be referred to the Department of Health (DOH) or nearby hospitals in accordance with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

She clarified that POGO workers are not all from China, but also from Europe, Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan. 

Guttierez also expressed her support for the government’s shutdown of non-accredited offshore gaming operations (NOGO). She said NOGOs are a threat to legitimate POGOs and their contribution of billions to the government via taxes, which can fund efforts to fight COVID-19.