Senator Risa Hontiveros recommended that the seized POGO properties be sold and the money would go to the victims of human trafficking.
The push to permanently ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is gaining traction as senators advocate for the passage of the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024. The legislation, which seeks to address legal loopholes in the acquisition and management of seized POGO properties, was highlighted by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Under the proposed measure, “all assets” associated with POGOs would be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government. These include buildings, facilities, gaming equipment, and other paraphernalia used directly or indirectly in illegal activities. Gatchalian, chair of the Senate ways and means committee, emphasized that the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) would clearly outline the process for asset forfeiture.
The need for this legislation became more urgent following concerns raised by Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, head of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. Ty noted that there is currently no clear legal mandate allowing the government to “provisionally use” assets seized from POGOs before the forfeiture process is completed.
Adding to the challenge is the lack of a comprehensive inventory of the properties raided or shut down. The government has yet to disclose detailed information about the number, floor area, and value of buildings seized in key locations such as Bamban in Tarlac and Porac in Pampanga.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has proposed repurposing these properties for public use, such as government offices, schools, or evacuation centers. However, thorough inspections are still required to determine the suitability of the seized assets for these purposes.
Senate Urges Support for Anti-POGO Act
In a speech delivered on December 9, 2024, Gatchalian called on his colleagues to support Senate Bill No. 2868, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2024. The bill is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all internet gaming companies targeting Chinese bettors abroad by December 31, 2024.
Senator Joel Villanueva, another strong advocate for the measure, believes the bill will expedite the management and disposition of confiscated POGO assets. He also stressed that the legislation would complement the President's order to end POGO operations, which have been linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, torture, cyber scams, murder, prostitution, and human trafficking.
Villanueva was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report, “We made sure that the measure covers all essential aspects, including the forfeiture of POGO assets and the destruction of gaming equipment and paraphernalia.”
Seized Assets to Benefit Victims
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led Senate inquiries into POGO-related crimes, introduced an amendment to the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act. The amendment allows authorities to utilize confiscated assets to indemnify victims of human trafficking and other crimes linked to POGOs.
Hontiveros proposed that seized properties be sold, with proceeds directed to the victims. She expressed hope that the IRR for the law would be released soon to guide agencies involved in implementing the POGO ban.
POGO Operations Uncovered in Davao del Norte
Meanwhile, a recent raid in Davao del Norte revealed ongoing illegal POGO operations. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, initially dispatched to rescue a Malaysian national allegedly held captive, instead discovered a suspected POGO hub in Panabo City.
The raid uncovered 55 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians, and one Filipino worker operating at the site. Authorities also seized 50 computers believed to be used for illegal online gambling activities.
According to Ely Leano, spokesperson for the NBI's southeastern Mindanao regional office, the agency has filed cases of syndicated estafa and online illegal gambling under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 against the 59 workers. Leano stated that they are applying for a cyber warrant to analyze data stored on the seized computers.
The NBI is also investigating local officials and business owners connected to the operation. Barangay officials, including councilors and the barangay chair, as well as licensing officials, have been subpoenaed to determine how the POGO was allowed to operate.
A Davao businessman who owns the warehouse is also under investigation to assess his involvement, if any, in the illegal operation. “We are still conducting a deeper investigation and case building against those possibly involved,” said Leano.
Moving Toward a POGO-Free Philippines
As the Senate pushes forward with the Anti-Pogo Act, the government is determined to shut down remaining operations and repurpose confiscated assets. With increasing reports of Pogos linked to crimes and exploitation, lawmakers are unified in their commitment to eliminate this controversial industry for good.
The proposed legislation not only aims to close legal gaps in asset management but also seeks to provide justice to victims of POGO-related crimes.
Read related article: IACAT Notes "Absence of Provision" for Seized POGO Properties
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