THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said it continues to support the expansion of gaming-focused Special-Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) in the face of a government crackdown on a now-banned category of gaming licensees.
In a statement on Wednesday, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco assured foreign chambers of commerce that the regulator will continue to advocate for SCBPOs and their expanding operations in the Philippines.
“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,” he said.
The SCBPOs are overseen by PAGCOR as they support gaming companies overseas.
In addition, he said that PAGCOR will ensure that SCBPOs are not directly engaged in gaming operations, such as taking or soliciting bets.
According to the SCBPO regulations, PAGCOR said these firms handle “purely product marketing and customer relations and are not servicing any of PAGCOR offshore gaming licensees.”
Senator Mark A. Villar, who chairs the Committee on Games and Amusements, said in September that SCBPOs are exempt from the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced the ban during his State of the Nation Address in July, later codified in Executive Order No. 74 issued in November.
Mr. Tengco noted the sector’s contribution to generating jobs and foreign investor interest in recognizing Philippine capabilities in outsourced services.
To date, the SCBPO sector employs nearly 5,000 workers in the Philippines, with plans to further expand operations and staffing.
SCBPOs are required to maintain at least 95% Filipino workforce “ensuring quality 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,” Mr. Tengco said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
