Photo credit: Congress PH

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez made it clear on Monday that those involved in illegal activities tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will face the full force of the law.

“Those who are accountable will have to face the law,” Romualdez declared during a press conference held at the extensive POGO hub operated by Lucky South 99 Inc. in Porac, Pampanga. This 10-hectare site, featuring 46 buildings, was raided by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in June.

Romualdez, accompanied by several House officials, conducted an on-site inspection of this and other POGO hubs, including a visit to a facility in Bamban, Tarlac operated by Zun Yuan Technology, Inc., and a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, where authorities seized P3.6-billion worth of shabu last year.

A recent joint inquiry by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety and on Games and Amusements unveiled a sophisticated network of Chinese nationals, including businessman and former presidential adviser Michael Yang, involved in illegal POGOs and drug trafficking.

The Speaker highlighted that the POGO industry, along with its associated illegal activities, thrived during President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration.

“During the previous administration, the industry was established and grew. Congress created regulations to collect taxes, but now we see a surge in illegal activities using this as a front,” Romualdez remarked.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) to ban POGOs and cease their operations by the end of the year, Romualdez and his team are exercising their oversight function to inspect these sites and guide legislative actions.

During the inspection, Romualdez was struck by the conditions and illicit activities within the POGO hubs. “We’re here to see firsthand what’s happening, beyond just the videos. We’re shocked because what we’re seeing is very offensive,” he said.

He expressed frustration over the misuse of what could have been legitimate operations, noting that the sites were involved in various scams, human trafficking, prostitution, and illegal pornography. “If the operators had focused on their legitimate business, we wouldn’t be seeing all these illegal activities,” he added.

Romualdez assured that the Marcos administration is committed to justice and will ensure that those behind the illegal POGO activities are held accountable. “President BBM has made it clear that if you’re using this as a front for illegal activities, we will shut it down and bring those responsible to justice,” he asserted.

Emphasizing a coordinated approach, Romualdez mentioned that a resolution is in the works to ensure collaboration among the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Dangerous Drugs, and Human Rights to thoroughly investigate the POGO-related issues.

The Speaker was joined by key House officials including Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., and chairpersons of various House committees such as Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano, Cavite 6th District Rep. Antonio Ferrer, and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop. Also present were Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, and Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel.

Romualdez concluded by stressing the importance of a unified approach to tackle the overlapping issues related to POGOs and ensure that justice is served.