The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently stated that it is investigating the possible criminal liabilities of local government officials involved with illegal offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Mayor Imelda "Emi" Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City strongly condemned the remarks made by PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio on Thursday, criticizing them as "baseless" and stating they "damage the reputation of municipal officials."
PAOCC mentioned that after raiding illegal POGOs in Pasay City and Lapu-Lapu City earlier this year, it has begun investigating whether local officials have committed dereliction of duty. However, Mayor Calixto-Rubiano responded by emphasizing that Pasay City has a "zero tolerance" policy towards POGO operations, whether they are temporarily set up, disguised as legitimate institutions, or operated through shell companies. She stressed: "The Pasay City government has never issued business licenses to any POGOs, and the recently raided POGOs were operating illegally in concealed locations."
Earlier this week, police discovered a suspected underground scam center in the basement of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City and rescued several Korean nationals. This incident has further sparked concerns about the presence of illegal POGOs in Pasay City.
PAOCC pointed out that illegal POGOs in the Metro Manila area are mostly concentrated in the south, including Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque. Despite the Pasay City government's insistence on not allowing POGO operations, PAOCC continues to investigate the responsible parties.
In addition to Pasay City, PAOCC has recently filed lawsuits against officials in various locations. Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo faces criminal and civil lawsuits for allegedly harboring a large POGO industrial park. Moreover, Porac Mayor Jing Capil and 10 officials from Pampanga province are also accused of corruption linked to illegal gambling activities.
According to data released by PAOCC, as of February 14, there have been 12 cases involving POGOs that have entered judicial proceedings, with another 8 cases still in the preliminary investigation stage. Additionally, the agency is preparing to prosecute 13 cases related to illegal gambling activities within the Philippines.
The Pasay City government reiterated its full support for the national government's crackdown on POGOs and called on law enforcement agencies to base their actions on facts to avoid unfounded accusations affecting the credibility of local governments.
