Lessons from the Pogo fiasco

As part of the bitter lessons learned from the Philippine offshore gaming operators fiasco, the government needs to legislate a law that screens and scrutinizes new industries or business platforms considered “alien” or “first of its kind” in the country. Due diligence must be done to study its pros and cons rather than just embrace it or become ecstatic based on the rosy picture of the positive economic impact, job creation and opportunities, inclusivity, tendency to spawn allied businesses or ecosystem, etc.

If an existing law or policy is already in place, perhaps, an amendment should be made to address potential problems and issues by installing safeguards and preventative measures. This is akin to some industry practices (e.g., manufacturing) where if any change or “something new” is introduced in an existing process (i.e., personnel, material, method, and environment), a thorough evaluation is needed before the change is approved.

Depending on the nature of the “new industry” being introduced, appropriate agencies should be chosen to do the task that covers the following, among others.

Do the standard review process of business or industry plan based on existing procedure.

Assess support and compliance based on country’s resources, environment, infrastructure, existing laws and regulations.

Benchmark with other countries with similar industry and learn from them, especially problems and issues experienced.

Establish protocols and flow to prevent or mitigate potential problems and issues with assigned agencies to handle.

Assign a lead agency or “industry czar” to spearhead and coordinate the whole task.

Submit summary report on findings and recommendations subject to review and approval by the President.

JEROME L. ESCOBEDO,

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu