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Explore Wang Shuiming’s rise in the Philippine gambling industry, his criminal network, and his role in offshore gaming and money laundering. Research unearthed the role of Chinese businessman Wang Shuiming in the Philippines, as he mounted a gambling empire in the country before leaving a trail of financial crimes across Southeast Asia.  Early Days in the Philippines Chinese businessman Wang Shuiming built a massive gambling empire in the Philippines before fleeing, leaving a trail of financial crimes across Southeast Asia. According to China-based Qingliu Studio, Wang arrived in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013. He saw an opportunity in the country’s booming online gambling market. Industry insiders called him "Ming Da" or "Da Ming Zong." As one of the first Fujianese entrepreneurs in the sector, he recognized the potential early and moved quickly to take advantage. Building a Gambling Empire By 2016, Wang's gambling network had grown fast. He controlled several online gaming platforms and employed over 10,000 people, including IT staff, finance teams, and marketing specialists. His payroll topped 100 million yuan (PHP793 million) each month. More Fujianese operators followed Wang to the Philippines, expanding his influence. His platforms primarily targeted Chinese players and exploited offshore loopholes to bypass China’s strict gambling laws. His platforms mainly served Chinese players, taking advantage of offshore loopholes to bypass China’s strict gambling laws. Breaking the Rules Although the Philippines had a licensing system for offshore gaming (POGOs), Wang repeatedly violated the regulations. As authorities tightened oversight in 2019, he moved to Singapore. Even after leaving, he kept strong business ties in the Philippines through real estate and partnerships. Hiding Money and Expanding Abroad In Singapore, Wang set up shell companies to hide his gambling profits. He moved money through offshore accounts and bought properties worldwide to cover his tracks while law enforcement struggled to catch him.  Authorities finally caught up with Wang in Montenegro. He was arrested while attempting to travel using a fake passport. Wang played a major role in shaping offshore gambling in the Philippines. His rise mirrored the rapid growth of offshore gaming operations in the country, which later faced heavy scrutiny from both Philippine and Chinese authorities.  The Philippines was just his starting point, but his operations—and the problems they created—spread far beyond its borders. Read related article:   Asia's Most Notorious Gambling Kingpin Arrested

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Step into a dystopian, steam-powered world in Steamworks – Gears of Fortune, the latest slot from Peter & Sons.  Introducing Steamworks – Gears of Fortune, the newest offering from the acclaimed game studio Peter & Sons. This medium volatility   video slot boasts unique game mechanics and immerses players in a dystopian, steam-powered universe nestled within the ruins of an industrial city, where the gears of fortune determine your destiny! The game is set to launch through Peter & Sons' partners on March 6, 2025. Explore the depths of a long-forgotten steampunk factory in Steamworks - Gears of Fortune, where steam and machinery fuel your adventure. The mechanical wonder is filled with the steady pulse of whirring engines and clinking coins, setting the stage for an immersive journey.   In Steamworks – Gears of Fortune, every spin sets the gears in motion, orchestrating a grand mechanical masterpiece where cogs, steam, and chance intertwine in perfect harmony, giving you 25 paylines on a 5x3 reel setup with wins from left to right.  The Wild symbols can substitute all regular symbols, except the Scatter, which appears solely on reel 5. The Scatter doesn’t give players a direct payout but is key to triggering the exciting Bonus Game.  The coin collection system plays a key role in the gameplay that takes place within a labyrinth of pistons and pressure valves. Driven by steam, and bound by the unpredictability of chance, coins appear on reels 1-4 but are only collected when a Scatter lands on reel 5.  If players gather 20 coins during the main game, they activate the exciting Bonus Round, starting with three respins that refresh every time a new symbol lands.  Coins come with multipliers ranging from x1 to x20, while Big Coins provide substantial rewards - Mini (x50), Minor (x100), Major (x200), and Grand (x1000).  The Collector feature accumulates all coin values, and the Shock Wave enhances them by as much as +10. When the grid is filled with coins, it unlocks the Grand Prize, offering an incredible x1000 multiplier. For those eager to jump right in, the Buy Bonus feature allows players to access the action instantly, ensuring continuous excitement.   Venture into the depths of an abandoned mechanical masterpiece, where the hum of gears and the whisper of steam promise fortunes. With stunning visuals, unique features, and engaging gameplay, Steamworks – Gears of Fortune stands out as a premier slot in Peter & Sons’ lineup. Yann Bautista, Commercial Director and Founder   at Peter & Sons said: "Gears of Fortune is a thrilling work of innovative mechanics and stunning visuals, offering what players crave, an adventure filled with excitement. We pride ourselves in creating one of a kind gaming experiences at Peter & Sons, and Steamworks – Gears of Fortune is no exception." Read related article:   Gaming Corps Unleashes Slot Game ‘Fire and Freedom’

The Philippine government targets both legal and illegal POGOs, with 58-200 still active. An illegal POGO hub in Moalboal was raided despite President Marcos Jr.'s POGO ban. The Philippine government is ramping up efforts to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) across the country, with a focus on both legal and illegal operations. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced on Wednesday that between 58 and 200 POGOs are still active, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a POGO ban  during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) two months ago. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio confirmed that the agency is taking the president’s directive seriously. “Marami pa rin kaming natatanggap na mga report na nagpapatuloy pa ata itong mga iligal na POGO,” he said during an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.  He emphasized the urgency of closing down all operations by the end of the year. “Dapat by the end of the year, wala na lahat ‘yan,” he added. As part of the wind-down process, Casio stated that all POGOs should transition to purely administrative functions by October 16. “Mapa-legal or iligal man, dapat nagsasara na talaga sila,” he reiterated. The PAOCC is in discussions with the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PAGCOR to ensure that both legal and illegal POGOs comply with the shutdown order. However, challenges remain, especially regarding administrative matters like settling dues to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and any potential severance pay for employees. Before the ban, estimates indicated that between 58 and 400 POGOs were operational in the country, both legal and illegal. This regulatory action follows the Bureau of Immigration’s recent reminder to foreign POGO workers to downgrade their visas before the October 15 deadline. Over 10,000 foreign workers have begun this process, allowing them to switch to temporary visitor visas, which will let them remain in the country for up to 59 days while they wind down their affairs. The Bureau has warned that failure to comply by December 31 could result in deportation or blacklisting. In a related effort, new Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has pledged to ensure all POGOs cease operations by December, aligning with the president’s directive. The government’s crackdown on POGOs has not been without incidents; recently, law enforcement in Cebu raided what appeared to be an illegal POGO hub in Moalboal, a popular diving destination in southwestern Cebu. On October 9, police raided a rental establishment in Barangay Saavedra, leading to the apprehension of 38 undocumented Chinese nationals engaged in POGO activities. The police reported that the operation was initiated after receiving tips about suspicious activities at the site. During the raid, numerous computers and electronic devices were confiscated. The arrested individuals are currently being held at a nearby resort while investigations continue. This latest operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in policing the gaming sector in the Philippines. Just a month earlier, the PAOCC had shut down another illegal POGO hub in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, rescuing 162 victims of human trafficking in the process. These incidents underline the complexity of the POGO landscape , where illegal activities often intertwine with legitimate operations, complicating enforcement efforts.

Alice Guo, linked to illegal POGO operations, announces she will not seek reelection as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, in the 2025 midterm elections. Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, a suspected Chinese national linked to illegal POGO operations, has announced that she will not seek to reclaim her position as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. During the Senate investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), the former mayor stated that her priority is to clear her name before considering a political comeback. “Hindi po [ako tatakbo]—haharapin ko po muna yung mga accusations sa akin,” Guo told Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. “Lilinisin ko po muna yung aking sarili para maging fair po sa mga minamahal kong constitutents.” (I will not run—I need to confront the accusations against me first. I want to ensure my integrity for the sake of my beloved constituents.” This statement follows a week after her attorney, Atty. Stephen David, indicated that she intended to file for reelection. Currently, Guo is facing multiple charges, including money laundering , graft and corruption, and human trafficking, among others. She has also been tagged as a “Chinese spy”  in an Al Jazeera documentary. The Inquirer  cited the former Tarlac mayor as saying: “I know many of you want me to file candidacy for mayor in our town next year. I hope you understand my decision to postpone this. This doesn’t mean that I’ll leave you, maybe we’ll have more time to spend with you again. I believe God has a special way of doing things.” Chinese nationals use Pinoys as dummy owners The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has uncovered that several hectares of fish ponds in Sual, Pangasinan, are owned by Chinese nationals allegedly tied to illegal POGO operations. One of the individuals identified is Alice Guo. PAOCC Chief Gilbert Cruz reported that Guo purchased two fish cages spanning approximately four hectares in January 2024. “Upon investigating Alice Guo’s properties, we found that she owns two fish ponds and fish cages in Sual,” Cruz stated during an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel . This revelation raises questions about the intersection of illegal gaming activities and legitimate businesses in the region. The PAOCC reported that 16 other Chinese nationals own fish cages in the municipality, some controlling as many as 50 cages. These individuals reportedly use Filipinos as dummy owners to circumvent regulations. Cruz explained that to own a single fish cage, a capital investment of around PHP1 million is required. “Fifty cages will cost PHP50 million. We can investigate the Chinese names we saw,” he added, indicating the scale of the operations. In Barangays Baquerin and Kabalentian in Sual, authorities discovered a total of 1,500 fish cages. Alarmingly, local laws permit only 750 cages in the area, suggesting a significant violation of regulations. The PAOCC is currently investigating the issuance of permits for these additional cages, which raises further questions about oversight and compliance. The link between illegal POGO activities and agricultural investments could have serious implications for food security in the Philippines. The PAOCC suggests that profits generated from illegal offshore gaming operations may be funneled into the purchase of agricultural land and assets, such as the fish ponds in Sual. The involvement of foreign nationals in crucial sectors like agriculture complicates the situation further. The use of dummy owners to mask foreign investment undermines local laws designed to protect the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and fishers. With illegal gaming operations already straining law enforcement and regulatory frameworks, the infiltration of organized crime into agriculture poses a unique challenge for the Philippine government. The relationship between Guo and Sual Mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay has come under scrutiny from senators, who are keen to investigate the extent of their connections. In the past, Guo denied having any romantic relationship  with Calugay. During the Senate probe, Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed that Calugay might have been involved in Guo’s escape from the Philippines.

Bloomberry reports a 6% rise in Gross Gaming Revenue to P61.7B in 2024, driven by Solaire Resort North, despite a decline in SEC's VIP segment. Read the full financial update. The Philippines’ Bloomberry Resorts   posted strong revenue growth in 2024, which was offset by a sharp decline in profits the same year, according to their filing with the Securities and Exchanges Commission.  According to the filing, Bloomberry’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by 6% to PHP 61.7 billion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) in 2024, up from PHP 58.3 billion (approximately USD 1.04 billion) in 2023. Solaire Resort North’s opening in May 2024  largely contributed to this growth, according to Bloomberry’s SEC filing. Amidst these financial shifts, Bloomberry also recently announced a change in its leadership, with Greg Hawkins as the Chief Operating Officer . Non-gaming revenue also showed strong growth, increasing 23% year-over-year to P10.7 billion (approximately USD 191 million). This points to more guests spending money on hotels, food, and entertainment options beyond gambling. In Q4 2024, Bloomberry saw positive trends in some areas. Consolidated GGR grew 17% year-over-year to P16.2 billion (approximately USD 289 million), while consolidated net revenue increased 22% to P14.6 billion (approximately USD 261 million). EBITDA edged up by 1% to P4.0 billion (approximately USD 71 million). Despite this revenue growth, Bloomberry's profits took a major hit in 2024. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) fell 14% to PHP 16.6 billion (approximately USD 296 million) from PHP 19.3 billion (approximately USD 345 million) in 2023. Net income dropped 73% to PHP 2.6 billion (approximately USD 46 million) from PHP 9.5 billion (approximately USD 170 million) the previous year. The company also reported a net loss of P920.2 million (approximately USD 16.4 million), compared to a P1.3 billion (approximately USD 23.2 million) profit in Q4 2023. Several factors to this profit decline included higher expenses related to running the new Solaire North property, increased depreciation costs for the new resort, higher interest expenses from loans taken for expansion, and a one-time tax charge of P706.3 million (approximately USD 12.6 million). Solaire North’s Role In Bloomberry’s Financial Growth Despite the drop in revenue, newly opened Solaire Resort North became a key generator for Bloomberry, generating PHP 8.4 billion (approximately USD 150 million) in GGR during its first 221 days. The property saw strong mass gaming revenue, with P3.7 billion (approximately USD 66 million) from table games and P4.5 billion (approximately USD 80 million) from electronic gaming. Despite startup costs, it contributed P1.3 billion (approximately USD 23.2 million) in EBITDA. Jeju Sun Resort & Casino in South Korea remained a minor contributor, recording P44 million (approximately USD 786,000) in GGR. However, this represented a 42% year-over-year growth. Despite the improvement, the property continues to operate at a loss. To strengthen its financial position, Bloomberry revalued its land assets, adding P28.7 billion (approximately USD 512 million) to total equity. Additionally, the company secured a P40 billion (approximately USD 714 Million) refinancing deal in February 2025, aimed at reducing interest costs. Mass Gaming Now The Focus Bloomberry is now looking at mass gaming and non-revenue sources for profits, seeking to create more stable income streams as the VIP segment at the original Solaire location continues to decline. Future Challenges And Opportunities Bloomberry faces several challenges moving forward, including the declining VIP business at the original Solaire location, managing higher costs from the new Solaire North resort, and handling increased interest and depreciation expenses that affect net income. It also remains to be seen how new leadership will impact Solaire’s future. However, the company also has growth opportunities through further market growth in northern Metro Manila with Solaire North, expanding non-gaming revenue sources, and building on the strong performance of mass gaming segments. Read related article:   Solaire Operator Plans to Launch Gaming App by 2025 Q3

Over 10,000 foreign POGO workers are downgrading their visas in response to the Philippine government's move to phase out POGO operations in the country. Over 10,000 foreign workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have initiated the process to downgrade their work visas. This action comes in response to a directive from the Philippine government aimed at phasing out POGO operations in the country. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on October 7, 2024 that this figure represents more than 25 percent of the total 38,773 foreign POGO workers documented by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as of October 1. The government has emphasized the urgency of the visa downgrading process. “We are expediting the downgrading process to comply with the President’s directive,” Joel Viado, the new BI commissioner, was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer . The spokesperson urged POGO workers to file their applications as early as possible to avoid any complications during this transition period. Visa downgrading effectively changes a foreign national’s work visa to a temporary visitor visa. This allows the individual to legally remain in the Philippines for up to 59 days. During this time, they can settle their affairs before leaving the country. The timeline is particularly critical, as the 59-day period aligns with the government’s POGO ban , announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July. The President has directed that all foreign POGO workers must leave the Philippines by the end of the year. In light of the closure of POGO operations, the Philippine government has formed an interagency task force to coordinate efforts. This task force includes key agencies such as the BI, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PAGCOR, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. The BI has also streamlined the procedures for visa downgrading. This simplification aims to ensure that foreign POGO workers comply promptly. “We have left no room for delays in compliance,” the BI stated. Workers who do not adhere to the directive and fail to leave the country by December 31 could face deportation proceedings and may be blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines. The decision to ban POGO operations stems from serious concerns regarding the involvement of many workers in illicit activities. President Marcos highlighted issues such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and even murder associated with the industry.

PAOCC warns of "POGO politics" influencing 2025 elections, despite a ban on operations, amid concerns over campaign funding from POGOs. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has issued a warning regarding what it terms “POGO politics” as the Philippines gears up for the 2025 Midterm Elections. This warning comes amid concerns that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), despite a government-mandated ban on their operations, may still be influencing political candidates and funding their campaigns. Winston Casio, a spokesperson for PAOCC, expressed concern that certain factions within the POGO industry could be supporting candidates in the upcoming elections. He was quoted as saying in a report published by  GMA Network , “Meron pa rin ‘yang POGO politics na ‘yan, kasi yung mga Chinese na nandiyan sa tabi-tabi, mga Chinese criminal syndicates.” (POGO politics is still around, because of the Chinese, the Chinese criminal syndicates). His comments highlight the ongoing issues surrounding the POGO industry and its potential implications for the political landscape. The Philippine government has been actively working to close down POGO operations due to their association with various illegal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, and other crimes. However, Dr. Casio noted that some POGOs continue to operate and even hire new employees, indicating a lack of intent to comply with the shutdown orders. During a recent raid on a POGO hub  in Pasay City, authorities discovered newly hired staff, raising suspicions about the industry’s ongoing influence. “Nung na-raid natin ito, mayroon tayong nakuha na mga bagong pasok lang (When we raided, we found fresh hires), so meaning to say, they have no intention of leaving,” he pointed out. As the Commission on Elections (Comelec) begins accepting certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the midterm elections, the potential connections between POGOs and political candidates are under scrutiny. Among those seeking to file their COC is Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. She has been linked to POGOs and criminal syndicates, making her candidacy a focal point of concern. Guo’s lawyer announced that she plans to submit her COC this week. While the Comelec will accept her filing, officials noted that she may face disqualification unless she secures a temporary restraining order from the Office of the Ombudsman. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding candidates with potential ties to the POGO industry and organized crime. Representative Jil Bongalon, who sponsors the Anti-Money Laundering Council’s (AMLC) budget for 2025, has raised alarms regarding Guo’s financial activities. He revealed that she has over P1 billion in assets currently frozen by the Court of Appeals, pending further investigation. This freeze order was issued after the AMLC observed a series of large withdrawals from her bank accounts, suggesting that she may have taken preemptive measures to safeguard her finances. “Prior to the issuance of the freeze order , nakita ho ng AMLC na malaki yung mga naging (the AMLC saw that there were huge) series of withdrawals doon sa mga bank accounts,” he disclosed. “Siguro na-anticipate na nga nila. So inunahan na nila (Maybe they anticipated it, so they made preemptive measures) by withdrawing their cash in different banks, plus disposing several properties at a lower price.” The combination of ongoing POGO operations and the potential involvement of these entities in political campaigns raises significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The PAOCC’s warnings indicate that some candidates might seek financial backing from these operators, potentially leading to conflicts of interest and corruption.

Light & Wonder Inc. (L&W) faces a significant financial impact following a legal dispute over its “Dragon Train” slot machine product. According to a recent analysis by David Bain, an analyst at B. Riley Securities Inc., the total costs associated with changing the disputed version of the game in the North American market could reach approximately $28.6 million. This estimate, which was reported by GGRAsia , includes replacement costs and additional expenses related to the ongoing litigation. The legal troubles began when Aristocrat Technologies Inc. secured a preliminary injunction from a Nevada court against Light & Wonder. The ruling came after Aristocrat accused its competitor of infringing on its intellectual property regarding dragon-themed slot titles. The legal proceedings began in March when Aristocrat filed the lawsuit , claiming that L&W’s “Dragon Train” product violated its patents. In his memo, Bain indicated that court-related damages and other legal remedies could cost Light & Wonder between $50 million and $150 million. This range highlights the potential severity of the situation as the company grapples with the legal ramifications of its product offerings. In response to the court’s injunction, Light & Wonder’s president and CEO, Matt Wilson, announced plans to develop a new version of the “Dragon Train.” The company aims to replace around 2,000 units currently deployed in North America to comply with the judge’s order. Wilson mentioned that the original “Dragon Train” title was launched in Australia last year and made its U.S. debut in early March. Bain also reported that Light & Wonder sold approximately 4,800 “Dragon Train” units in Australia. However, the company halted sales of the game there following the U.S. court order. So far, Light & Wonder has not made any announcements regarding the conversion or replacement of “Dragon Train” units in the Australian market. Should this occur, B. Riley Securities estimates it would involve costs of about $62.4 million. Bain outlined that the estimated replacement cost per unit, including expedited installations, stands at around $13,000. With Light & Wonder possessing roughly 2,200 “Dragon Train” units on lease in North America, the company is under pressure to act quickly to mitigate the financial fallout from this legal dispute. Despite the challenges, Bain suggested that the market reaction to the court ruling has been overly harsh. Since the announcement, Light & Wonder’s stock has fallen by $19 per share, a decline of 17%. Bain believes the cumulative negative impact on the stock price from the “Dragon Train” disruption may amount to approximately $6 per share, which he argues is manageable for the company. As Light & Wonder works to replace the existing “Dragon Train” machines, Bain noted that the company is in active communication with its customers, and these discussions have yielded positive results. Many customers are reportedly willing to accept the game replacements, which is crucial for the company’s recovery strategy. Looking ahead, Bain referred to the anticipated replacement product as “Dragon Train 2.0.” He emphasized that while some elements of the game’s math models are in dispute, other features such as art, sounds, animations, and branding remain unaffected. This suggests that the game franchise could continue under a new framework, even if it employs different mathematical models. Light & Wonder has maintained its guidance to investors, projecting earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $1.4 billion for 2025. Bain noted that “Dragon Train” accounted for less than 5% of this forecast, translating to an expected contribution of nearly $70 million in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, B. Riley Securities highlighted recent merger and acquisition activity in the gaming technology sector, pointing out that it positions Light & Wonder as a unique public global gaming supplier with valuable assets. The firm noted that several competitors have either been acquired or are no longer viable trading peers, thereby enhancing Light & Wonder’s market standing.

A Chinese woman caused a disturbance at NAIA Terminal 1, throwing belongings and attempting to jump off the platform, according to PNP Aviation Security. A chaotic scene unfolded at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 early Friday morning when a Chinese woman reportedly went berserk, causing alarm among travelers and airport staff. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group, the woman engaged in erratic behavior, throwing her belongings in the departure area, lying down on the driveway, and even attempting to jump off the platform. The situation escalated quickly as airport guards and law enforcement arrived on the scene, preventing the woman from harming herself. Initial investigations revealed that the woman had been barred from leaving the Philippines due to her failure to present an exit clearance. This clearance is a mandatory requirement for all foreign workers exiting the country, particularly those from the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) sector. The woman was among the POGO workers who had volunteered to leave the Philippines following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down all POGO operations . This move aimed to address increasing concerns over illegal activities associated with the industry, including financial scams and other criminal behavior. Through an interpreter, the distressed woman expressed her desire to leave the Philippines but indicated she lacked the financial means to pay for her exit clearance. This predicament highlights the challenges faced by many foreign workers in the POGO sector as they navigate the implications of the government’s recent decision. In the wake of her outburst, the woman is now facing charges related to public scandal according to a report published by ABS-CBN News . Airport authorities are in communication with the Chinese embassy to address her case and provide necessary support. The situation serves as a reminder of the emotional toll and uncertainties experienced by many foreign workers in the wake of abrupt regulatory changes. The POGO industry has been a contentious topic in the Philippines, known for both its economic contributions  and the various societal issues it has raised. The government’s recent ban on POGO operations has forced many workers to reassess their circumstances. For some, the closure brings the possibility of returning home, while for others, it complicates their ability to exit the country smoothly.

Alice Guo campaign when she ran for mayor in Bamban, Tarlac during the 2022 elections was allegedly “arranged by Chinese state security.” This accusation was made by Wang Fu Gui, the former cellmate of She Zhijiang, who identifies as a Chinese spy. This revelation emerged during a Senate probe into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). She Zhijiang claimed in an Al Jazeera documentary that Guo is also a spy  for the Chinese Ministry of State Security. He alleged that Alice Guo solicited campaign funds from him during her run for office. The implications of these allegations are significant, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns about foreign interference in Philippine politics. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ team conducted a video teleconference interview with Wang Fu Gui, and the recorded session was presented on October 8, 2024 as part of the ongoing Senate investigation into illegal POGOs. Wang described the contents of a declassified file related to Guo as substantial but noted that he could only disclose a portion of it. He referenced Guo’s alias, Guo Hua Ping, asserting that she had a spy background, though he emphasized that she was not a high-ranking operative. “Guo Hua Ping was a spy but not a special one. It just so happens there is a copy of her state security background there. And her situation with Mr. She has a lot of similarities,” Wang was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network . Wang’s comments indicated that Guo’s situation mirrors that of She Zhijiang, suggesting a network of espionage and influence involving Chinese nationals operating within the Philippines. When questioned about the specifics of Guo’s alleged espionage activities, Wang asserted that such inquiries should be directed at She Zhijiang. He explained that overseas agents, including spies, often serve various roles, from intelligence collection to furthering the political and economic interests of the Chinese government. Wang pointed out that overseas special agents include spies who “collect intelligence, many others work for the political and economic interests of the Chinese Government, such as officials and businessmen in some countries.” The former cellmate of She Zhijiang underscored the connection between POGOs and espionage, suggesting that many businesses linked to these operations are involved in gathering intelligence and other activities that align with Chinese governmental objectives. “The connection between POGOs and espionage is significant,” Wang stated. “The Chinese government has a vast intelligence network that integrates economic strategies with political influence. This includes initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which serve broader strategic goals.” His comments reflect growing concerns over foreign investments that may not align with national interests. During the same interview, Wang identified an individual named “Ma Dongli,” claiming he is linked to the Communist Party of China and potentially serves as a handler for Guo. According to Wang, Ma is connected to Guo’s operations, further entrenching the narrative of a sophisticated espionage network. He described Ma as having dual identities and significant influence within the Thai-Chinese community. Following the release of the Al Jazeera documentary, Wang claimed that She Zhijiang has faced severe repercussions from the Chinese government for exposing the allegations against Guo. He stated that She is currently under surveillance in a Thai prison, limiting his ability to communicate with the outside world. This situation highlights the risks faced by whistleblowers who expose sensitive information related to state security. Alice Guo attended the Senate hearing where Wang’s testimony was presented but has yet to publicly address the new allegations against her. The Senate committee is prioritizing an executive session, delaying a comprehensive response from Guo. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who has been actively pursuing this investigation, expressed concerns about the implications of foreign involvement in Philippine governance. Her office attempted to reach out to She Zhijiang through the Philippine Embassy in Thailand but was denied for “diplomatic reasons.” Previously, Guo has denied the accusations outlined in the Al Jazeera documentary. Her camp has also suggested the possibility of legal action against the news channel, asserting that the documentary misrepresented her. In addition to these allegations, Guo is currently embroiled in legal troubles. She faces a qualified human trafficking case in a Pasig court, along with a graft case in Valenzuela related to her purported involvement in illegal POGO operations in Bamban. Furthermore, a quo warranto petition has been filed against her in Manila, seeking to cancel her birth certificate in Tarlac. Adding to her legal woes, Guo is also facing a tax evasion complaint  and 87 counts of money laundering, as reported by the Department of Justice.

While filing her Mamamayang Liberal party-list nomination, ex-Senator Leila De Lima urged Harry Roque to surrender after a House contempt order. Ex-Senator Leila De Lima has publicly urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque  to surrender to authorities following a contempt order issued against him by the House of Representatives. De Lima’s remarks came as she filed her certificate of nomination and acceptance for the Mamamayang Liberal party-list at the Manila Hotel Tent City on October 5, 2024. De Lima emphasized that Roque, as a lawyer, has a duty to face the legal challenges before him. “Of course, he must. He is a lawyer. He is a man of law. He is supposed to be a lawyer,” she was quoted as saying in a report published by Cebu Daily News . De Lima herself faced numerous legal battles, having been detained for over six years on charges she claims were fabricated in retaliation for her investigations into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war. De Lima reflected on her own experiences, stating, “Ako nga hinarap ko eh, kahit gawa-gawang mga kaso eh. Hinarap ko ang batas” (I faced it, even with fabricated cases. I faced the law). She described her journey through the legal system as “painful and tedious,” yet underscored the importance of confronting legal issues head-on. The former senator criticized Roque for his apparent evasion of the law, saying, “So dapat ganoon. Kung wala yang kasalanan, wala kang itinatago, harapin mo nang buong tapang” (So it should be. If you have no wrongdoing and have nothing to hide, face it boldly). De Lima pointed out that Roque’s actions, including his frequent live-streams on social media, appear to show a lack of respect for the law. “…nagtatapang-tapangan lang sya… ini-insulto niya pa ang ating mga law enforcers” (he is just pretending to be brave… insulting our law enforcers), she added. The contempt charges against Roque  stem from his failure to comply with a subpoena requiring him to submit a range of financial documents, including his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth from 2016 to 2022. The subpoena also requested income tax returns for Roque and his wife from 2014 to 2022, as well as various legal documents related to his family’s estate. If Roque is arrested, he will be detained until he submits the requested documents or until the committee investigating him is dissolved. This marks Roque’s second contempt order; he was previously detained for 24 hours last month for allegedly misleading the committee regarding his absence from a hearing. De Lima pointed out the irony of Roque’s situation, recalling his previous harsh remarks towards her, including his comment that she should “spend the rest of your life in jail.” Now, she remarked, “Alam niyo naman kung ano yung mga pinagsasasabi niya sa akin and look at him now, he’s on the run” (You know what he said about me, and look at him now, he’s on the run). She expressed that Roque might finally realize the gravity of his previous statements about her, saying, “Siguro naman na-realize na niya kung gaano kamali ang mga nasabi niya tungkol sa akin” (Surely he has realized how wrong his words about me were). Roque has denied any wrongdoing and has distanced himself from ongoing investigations linking him to Lucky South 99 , a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac, Pampanga. Documents bearing his signature were reportedly discovered during law enforcement operations at the site. Despite this, Roque has maintained that he has no connection to the hub. In a further attempt to protect himself from the contempt order and the arrest warrant, Roque sought intervention from the Supreme Court . However, his request was denied, adding to his legal troubles.