Doctor holding stethoscope for medical check up

The coronavirus continues to strike fear in the hearts of the public and government officials. Just days after the Philippines confirmed its third official case of the virus, some Manila mayors are calling on health checks for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Muntinlupa, five cities that make up the southern half of the Metro Manila area, have requested health checks to be conducted by their respective city health offices. Private establishments, POGOs specifically, have been ordered to submit a list of their employees who have recently visited either China, Hong Kong or Macau as well, with failure to do so resulting in revocation of their business license.

Mayors emphasized the initiative was for the public good, and cooperation was required. “These times demand a unified and coordinated action from all sectors,” said Makati Mayor Abby Binay. “The city government appeals to all our stakeholders to cooperate and support policies and measures being undertaken to avert a health crisis in our city,” Makati Mayor Abby