Manila: The Philippine government will implement strict guidelines and monitoring in the entry of digital nomads into the country to ensure that it does not result in the same issues that arose from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations, Malaca±ang said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, this follows the issuance of Executive Order 86 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., allowing the grant of Philippine visa for digital nomads or foreign nationals seeking to temporarily reside and work remotely in the Philippines.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the move is expected to boost the country's economy and tourism. 'Definitely, if we will have more tourists, we will definitely have more income, and it will definitely also benefit the country and the Filipino people,' Castro commented.

The Palace official assured the public that safeguards would be in place to address concerns that could arise from the initiative, including the possible influx of foreign nationals involved in criminal activities. 'We will be having monitoring. Unlike with the POGOs before, we will be securing, definitely, the processes regarding this,' Castro emphasized, adding that security features will be implemented to protect the country from scammers or any law violations.

Marcos had previously ordered a total ban on POGOs last year due to their links to crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, and murder. Castro also mentioned that the government is currently drafting guidelines for the visa program, which will provide more details about the process.

Under the Executive Order, the Department of Foreign Affairs is authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas to non-immigrant foreigners 'who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period for the purpose of working remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines.