Senator Risa Hontiveros describes POGOs as a “monster” deeply involved in human trafficking, money laundering, torture, espionage.
The Senate plans to advocate for changes to immigration, money laundering, and election candidacy laws following the conclusion of its Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) investigation. Senator Risa Hontiveros confirmed that the committee’s report on the inquiry will be released shortly.
The Philippine Senate’s Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality wrapped up its investigations into the alleged illegal operations of POGOs, which have been linked to a range of criminal activities. The final hearing, held on November 26, 2024, was chaired by Senator Hontiveros, who underscored the severity of the findings, describing POGOs as a “monster” deeply involved in human trafficking, money laundering, torture, espionage, and other illicit activities.
Senator Hontiveros stated that the success of the investigation lies in shedding light on the victims who have suffered from these illegal operations.
“Ngayong tapos na ang Pogo hearings, isusulat na po ang Committee Report kung saan maisasaad ang mga legislative amendments at proposals na gusto nating isulong. Kasama dito ang pagpapalakas ng mga sistema kontra-abuso sa civil registration, immigration, money laundering, kandidatura sa eleksyon, at national security (Now that the POGO hearings are over, the Committee Report will be written, which will outline the legislative amendments and proposals we aim to push forward,” she said. Among the key legislative reforms to be addressed are strengthening systems against abuse in areas such as civil registration, immigration, money laundering, election candidacy, and national security)," she said in her statement.
Hontiveros emphasized that one of the committee’s goals is to pass the Anti-POGO bill, which is designed to reinforce the government’s decision to ban illegal POGOs across the country, a move already announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During the hearing, the senator expressed confidence that the bill would gain traction in the Senate, securing support for a broader ban and stricter regulations.
As part of the investigation, Hontiveros revealed a diagram listing individuals implicated in the illegal POGO trade. The diagram highlighted several prominent figures, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, his former economic adviser Michael Yang, and a number of local government officials such as dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, her family, and Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay. Among the names also mentioned were business partners Cassie Li Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Hontiveros specifically called out Michael Yang as a “key actor” in Chinese intelligence operations within the Philippines. This claim is supported by further allegations, including the testimony of She Zhijiang, a detained Chinese spy, who claimed that Guo, along with him, had been working for China's Ministry of State Security as an agent. According to Hontiveros, if these claims are substantiated, they could have serious implications for the country’s national security.
The senator also noted that the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) is scheduled to provide additional findings regarding the infiltration of Chinese intelligence operatives into the country. This information, Hontiveros stressed, would be shared in a private executive session to safeguard national security interests. She assured the public that her committee would maintain its jurisdiction over the investigation and continue to seek vital information, especially from individuals such as She Zhijiang, who could provide further insight into the operations of Chinese spies within the Philippines.
In addition to addressing these security concerns, Hontiveros pledged to continue collaborating with the courts to ensure that individuals like Alice Guo and her associates are prosecuted for their roles in illegal POGO activities. The senator expressed a strong commitment to holding those responsible accountable, especially as the involvement of foreign intelligence agents has raised alarm over the country’s sovereignty and security.
Read related article: PDEA Matrix Links Michael Yang, Alice Guo to POGOs
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