A portion of the POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac. TV Patrol/Screengrab

MANILA — Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hubs forfeited to the government can be converted for use as temporary shelters during disasters, Bayan Muna party-list said Saturday.

Several POGO hubs, including the one in Bamban, Tarlac are the subject of forfeiture cases which, if won, would turn over ownership to the government.

"We have numerous POGO facilities in areas like Bamban, Porac, Bataan, Bulacan, and Cagayan that can serve as spacious, well-equipped evacuation centers," former Bayan Muna Rep. Colmenares said in a statement.

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The POGO hubs have been eyed for potential reuse as schools or government offices if awarded to government.

Colmenares said it might be inappropriate to hold classes in the compounds "due to potential psychological trauma from past activities”, referring to alleged human trafficking, torture and investment scams that happened in them.

He said, though, that “they are ideal as temporary evacuation sites” since some compounds have their own medical clinics and have a lot of space.

READ: Tens of thousands flee as Super Typhoon Pepito nears Philippines

The Philippines has a shortage of classrooms, with the Department of Education aiming to build 6,300 a year to help ease classroom congestion.

In some areas, schools also double as evacuation centers, which adds to the disruption of classes.

"When Bayan Muna authored the Disaster Alerts Law we believe it would help warn the people thru text that a typhoon or calamity is coming. Now we have to take care of typhoon victims during the typhoon by providing them with decent shelters," Colmenares, Bayan Muna's first nominee, said.