The PH government is trying to fast-track the process of acquiring the seized properties and assets of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The Philippine government is intensifying efforts to expedite the forfeiture of assets linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s issuance of Executive Order 74, which bans POGOs and related offshore gaming activities nationwide.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized the administration's commitment to accelerating the seizure process while ensuring adherence to due process. "We are already doing everything to hasten the process, except that we have to give due process to whoever appears to be the holder of those assets. Hindi namin pwede i-grab basta (We could not grab it without due process) but they already have in place laws and regulations about forfeiture," Bersamin was quoted as saying in a PNA report during a recent event at Malacañan Palace. He acknowledged that existing forfeiture laws are in place but described the current process as "very slow."
The Senate is considering legislation to authorize the government to confiscate all properties, materials, equipment, and proceeds associated with illegal POGOs. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, a proponent of the measure, noted that the bill aims to address legal gaps in the acquisition and management of seized POGO properties.
Bersamin indicated that President Marcos does not need to issue a new directive regarding the forfeiture of POGO assets, as it is "already a given" that properties involved in criminal activities would be seized by the state. He elaborated that once confiscated, these assets would be repurposed for legitimate government use. "Those buildings will become assets of the government, so the government will dispose of them as its judgment will guide," he explained.
The Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) has been cited as a legal basis for the government's authority to seize and utilize POGO properties. Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighted that AFASA provides mechanisms for the state to confiscate assets linked to financial crimes, which can be applied to illegal POGO operations.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has reported that assets worth approximately P30 billion, including over 100 vehicles, have been seized from raided POGO hubs. These confiscations are part of a broader crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations, which have been associated with various criminal activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, and financial scams.
Read related article: Senate Bill Forfeits Confiscated POGO Assets in Favor of Gov’t
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