Alice Guo, Tony Yang, and Cassandra Ong were previously held in contempt for various reasons during the investigation on their links to POGOs. A congressional panel in the Philippines has lifted contempt orders against several key individuals linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry, including Alice Guo, Cassandra “Cassie” Ong, and Tony Yang. Lawmakers cited multiple reasons.  These individuals were previously held in contempt for various reasons during the investigation on their links to POGOs. Reports indicate that this stemmed from their perceived lack of cooperation, evasive answers, or failure to provide information deemed crucial to the probe. Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano said former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Guo, who is accused of being Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, was already detained due to an active criminal case. “Since Alice Guo is now detained by virtue of the court order, I move that we now lift the contempt order versus Guo Hua Ping alias Alice Guo,” Paduano was quoted as saying in a GMA News Online report. Alice Guo remains in detention due to the said criminal case.  Guo was cited for contempt by the QuadComm in September for refusing to answer questions. Meanwhile, Paduano moved to lift the contempt and detention order against Ong because of her medical condition. “She is sick. She is currently detained at the Correctional Institution for Women and the doctors of the CIW and the House of Representatives confirm that she is not fit to attend and withstand the congressional hearings,” Paduano shared. A similar motion was filed and carried for Yang, who Paduano says is confined at a hospital in Taguig “with a doctor’s certificate.”  Yang is under the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).Yang has been held at the PAOCC facility since being found in contempt for providing false statements. The Chinese national previously acknowledged that he had fabricated his Filipino citizenship. He is the sibling of Michael Yang, who served as an economic adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte . Last week, Yang’s attorney, Atty. Raymond Fortun, revealed that his client had been diagnosed with a lung condition before his arrest in September. Police Major Leo Laraga’s contempt order was also lifted “in the spirit of Christmas.” He was of one of the police officers who served a search warrant to the late Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa. The lifting of contempt orders for Guo, Ong, and Yang is a significant development in the POGO probe. Its impact on the overall investigation remains to be seen, but it signifies a shift in the panel's approach and potentially opens new avenues for gathering information. Further details are expected as the inquiry progresses, clarifying the reasons for the lifted orders and the ongoing detention of Alice Guo. Read related article: POGOs Brought in P166.49 Billion According to Dept of Finance

Harry Roque is still not off the hook after a House panel decided to lift the contempt order against some key individuals linked to POGO-related activities House quad committee chairman Robert Ace Barbers said Harry Roque is still not off the hook after the panel decided to lift the contempt order against some key individuals linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Barbers said former Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson still has “a lot of explaining to do” as reported by the Manila Bulletin. Roque and his wife Mylah have been cited in contempt for allegedly disregarding summons to show to hearings and arrest orders.  “Si Atty. Harry Roque ang nagsilbing abogado ng Lucky South at iyan ay napatunayan sa kanyang pakikipag-pulong kay PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco (Atty. Harry Roque served as the lawyer of Lucky South and that was proven through his meetings with PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco),” said the Mindanao lawmaker on December 12, 2024. Rep. Dan Fernandez accused Atty. Roque of links to Chinese fugitives operating from Pinewoods Village in Benguet. He alleged that Roque and his wife control the company owning the property.  Fernandez also pointed out that Roque accompanied Cassandra Ong to a PAGCOR meeting to discuss licensing and liabilities. The property was rented by Chinese fugitives who were later arrested, raising further questions. Roque denied any wrongdoing, stating his involvement with PAGCOR was strictly legal work. Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez accused Roque of ties to Chinese fugitives operating from Pinewoods Village in Benguet, alleging Roque and his wife own a company controlling the property. He also said Roque attended meetings with PAGCOR officials regarding licenses and liabilities.  “Mismong ang chairman ng PAGCOR ang nagpatunay na sinamahan ni Atty. Roque si Cassandra Ong sa isang meeting upang talakayin ang lisensya ng PAGCOR at mga utang ng Lucky South 99 (The PAGCOR chairman himself attested that Atty. Roque accompanied Cassandra Ong in a meeting to discuss the PAGCOR license and the liabilities of Lucky South 99),” he said, as quoted by the same Manila Bulletin report. READ: House Panel Pushes for Harry Roque's Surrender, Cites Urgency The hearings revealed systemic violence and corruption, including testimonies about a "reward system" for killing drug suspects during Duterte's presidency, with payouts reaching up to P1 million. Barbers condemned attempts to discredit the investigation, reaffirming the panel’s commitment to uncovering the truth. He thanked the public for their trust and support in the pursuit of justice. Read related article: Quad Comm Frees POGO Incorporator Cassandra Ong

The Philippine government is requiring local government units to report any POGO-related activities.  The Philippine government is ramping up its efforts to eradicate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as they required local government units to report any POGO-related activities.  Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said this includes sudden spikes in internet usage, gatherings of foreign nationals in unregistered establishments, and attempts to set up new POGO operations. “Malalaman iyan sa spike bigla ng bandwidth use, entry of suspicious people congregating in houses not registered as businesses, makikita iyan sa movement ng mga foreigners na gustong mag-setup diyan na hindi naman kilala (This can be identified through a sudden spike in bandwidth usage, the entry of suspicious individuals gathering in houses not registered as businesses, and the movement of foreigners attempting to set up operations without proper identification),” he said, as reported by the Inquirer.  The government has also set a deadline of December 15, 2024 for the automatic cancellation of all POGO licenses,  following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  Authorities estimate that there are still rogue POGOs currently operating in various locations, including residential areas, hotels, and resorts. These illegal operations are often run by former POGO employees whose companies have already ceased operations.  Remulla said that 28 local government units were listed to have been issued Pogo licenses based on PAGCOR data. “So, they [LGUs] were enjoined to inspect [the facilities] to make sure there are no activities,” he pointed out. The crackdown on POGOs is part of the government's broader strategy to phase out POGO operations by the end of 2024, citing concerns over tax evasion, money laundering, and social issues.   Read related article: POGOs Brought in P166.49 Billion According to Dept of Finance

The operator of the Island Cove Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Kawit, Cavite, has denied allegations of torture, human trafficking, and espionage.  First Orient International Ventures Group, the operator of the Island Cove Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Kawit, Cavite, has denied allegations of torture, human trafficking, and espionage as it closed down.  Authorities inspected Island Cove on December 11, 2024. The facility shut down earlier in the month–less than a month before the December 31 deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the operations of offshore gaming hubs in the Philippines.  “Walang torture, walang human trafficking walang kahit anong illegal dito (There is no torture, no human trafficking, and no illegal activity here),” said Ron Lim, the general manager of First Orient.  He added: “Marami pong nagsasabi na dito ay maraming Chinese spy. Yon ay pawang mga kasinungalingan. Lahat po ng empleyadong nagtrabaho dito ay may valid na visa galing sa Bureau of Immigration.”  (Many have claimed that this place is a hub for Chinese spies, but these are mere lies. All employees here have valid visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration.)  Lim also clarified that the Remulla family no longer has any involvement in the property. "First Orient has changed ownership," he added. The POGO hub, which has been undergoing partial demolition as part of a government crackdown on the industry, has significantly impacted the local economy.  Rey Santos, the municipal administrator of Kawit, expressed concern over the loss of revenue from RPT payments made by POGO operators. "It's like a ghost town," he said. "We will lose a significant portion of our revenue, around P40 million annually." PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, has confirmed that only seven out of 60 POGO operators in the hub are currently undergoing the closure process. The agency stated that the operators are cooperating with the government in the cancellation of their licenses. However, they noted that only 7 out of the 60 offshore gaming hubs are undergoing the closure process. Read related article: Island Cove POGO Hub Closes Ahead of Dec 31 Deadline (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Harry Roque and his wife Mylah are still in the UAE, and the embassy is awaiting confirmation if they can use the arrest order from the House of Representatives. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and his wife, Mylah, remain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver confirmed the couple’s presence in the Gulf nation, as the embassy awaits instructions from Manila on how to proceed with Roque’s legal situation. The embassy is awaiting guidance from Manila on whether it can use the House of Representatives' arrest order against Roque to gather more information about his stay in the UAE, according to a report by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. “As of Thursday or Friday last week—meron din po kasi kaming napagtatanungan din, he is still in the UAE. Sila ng kanyang may bahay na si Mylah. Minarapat sana namin ngayong weekend para mag check, e hindi po available ang facility na ‘yun so we’ll try again today, Monday po,” Ver stated during an interview with Radyo 630. (As of Thursday or Friday last week, he is still in the UAE. He’s here together with his wife. We intended to check again during the weekend, but the facility to do so was unavailable, so we’ll try again today.) Ver also explained the challenges in accessing more details about Roque's status, citing privacy concerns and the need for official documents. “So mamaya susubukan namin kung meron din kaming instruction galing Manila na gamitin itong arrest order o warrant of arrest para makakuha pa ng impormasyon. Dahil ang awtoridad dito ay hindi na rin po magbibigay kung wala rin pong arrest warrant o Interpol notice kumbaga dahil meron ding privacy ang tao kung nandito man siya legally or illegally,” he added. (So later, we will try again, especially if there’s an instruction from Manila on whether we can use his outstanding arrest order to obtain more information. The authorities here will not disclose details without an arrest warrant or Interpol notice, as they uphold privacy whether he is here legally or illegally.) READ: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has earlier stated that Roque likely left the Philippines through unauthorized means. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that there are no records of Roque departing through formal channels, adding that his legal team is considering filing additional cases against him for his alleged illegal travel. Roque is linked to the qualified human trafficking case against Cassandra Li Ong and others involving the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 Corp. He also faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt and failing to provide documents that could explain a sudden increase in his wealth. Read related article: Harry Roque Waiting For 2 Conditions Before Returning to PH

10 retired and active government officials may face charges from the House for being tied to POGOs, extra-judicial killings and illegal drugs. The House of Representatives quad committee is set to recommend charges against 10 former and active government officials for their alleged involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and illegal drugs. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the committee’s chairman, announced on December 10, 2024 that the recommendation will be part of the panel’s progress report, scheduled for approval on December 12. “This will be included in the initial report of the quad comm. We have to finalize our recommendation on Thursday and present it before the plenary for the approval of the entire members of the House of Representatives,” Barbers said, as reported by the Philippine Star.  The quad committee is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue the charges. “We will still conduct an investigation on the EJKs and drugs,” Barbers added. The panel is also eyeing 15 to 20 pieces of remedial legislation to address the issues raised in its investigation. They are also calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the anti-POGO bill as urgent. Marcos Jr. earlier issued an executive order barring POGOs, formalizing a proclamation he made during his 3rd State of the Nation Address in early July.  “We want these pieces of legislation to be part of the legislative agenda of our President. We hope that it will be certified as urgent by the President so that our counterpart in the Senate will also act,” Barbers explained.  The quad committee was formed in August to investigate the links between POGOs, Chinese syndicates, illegal drugs, and EJKs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  Several high-profile figures, including former President Duterte, have been invited to testify before the committee. He further explained that the progress report seeks to wrap up the investigations into POGOs, EJKs, and illegal drugs, enabling the committee to focus on other critical issues. “Even after the Christmas break, when sessions resume, the quad-committee will press on with its investigations. The progress report reflects the ground we’ve covered so far on EJKs, drugs, and POGOs. However, this doesn’t mean we are closing the door on these matters,” Barbers clarified. According to him, the committee still needs to address additional issues before concluding its hearings. “We need to submit it so that it will be approved in the committee before we can ask other agencies concerned to take cognizance of this report. For example, we have recommendations to the DOJ and the NBI. They have to act on it based on the committee report that was approved by the plenary,” he expounded. “The action of the plenary is needed, so that it will become legitimate, it will become the sense of the majority of the members of the House,” he added. The quad-committee includes four panels: the dangerous drugs committee, chaired by Barbers; the human rights committee, led by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante; the public accounts committee, headed by Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano; and the public order and safety committee, chaired by Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez. Barbers emphasized that the four committees share overlapping concerns and issues. “There seems to be a criminal organization operating within the country where drug money is being used to corrupt certain government officials in order to secure fake and spurious documents to misrepresent themselves as Filipinos to be able to acquire properties or lands in the country… where legitimate fronts of POGOs are being built,” Barbers explained. Abante also defended his committee’s involvement in the quad-committee, as well as its focus on EJKs. “Number one, there might be a quota system in the Philippine National Police… That means there is a reward system. That means if you kill a drug pusher, you get a reward. We would like to find out where the money is coming from, because we found out, that’s POGO money, that’s gambling money,” Abante revealed. Read related article:   DOJ Finds No Evidence Linking Duterte to Illegal POGOs

There is insufficient evidence to link Rodrigo Duterte to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, the justice department said. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on December 10, 2024 that there is insufficient evidence to link former President Rodrigo Duterte to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty stated during a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute that the DOJ’s investigation focused on illegal POGO operations at an individual level. “At the level of individual POGOs, we haven’t seen any evidence to connect former President Duterte,” Ty said, as reported by  GMA News .   He reiterated that the probe examined specific illegal enterprises rather than implicating overarching figures or higher-level officials. “There is not enough evidence to link President Duterte to illegal POGO operations. Clearly, when it comes to POGOs, we tackled illegal POGOs at the level of each illegal enterprise,” Ty explained. The statement follows growing public and legislative scrutiny of POGO activities in the Philippines, which have been associated with criminal activities, such as human trafficking and money laundering.  During the final Senate hearing on POGO operations in November, Senator Risa Hontiveros presented a matrix of individuals allegedly exploiting the gambling sector for personal enrichment.  READ: Hontiveros “web” links Ex-Pres Duterte, Yang to POGOs While investigations into illegal POGO enterprises continue, Ty emphasized the absence of direct evidence against the former president. The DOJ's findings underscore the complexity of addressing illegal gambling activities and holding those involved accountable. Michael Yang, who previously served as a presidential adviser during the Duterte administration, was mentioned in the report. When asked if Yang’s association with the administration was sufficient to link Duterte to illegal POGOs, Ty said “the association is not enough to connect him... and to bring up an investigation.” In July, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. implemented a nationwide ban on all POGOs after several operators were found to be involved in criminal activities such as human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and fraudulent schemes, formalizing this through Executive Order 74   which was signed last November.  Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expressed confidence in meeting its year-end goal, stating that all POGOs in the country would be eliminated by December 15, 2024. Read related article: Hontiveros “web” links Ex-Pres Duterte, Yang to POGOs

The House quad committee seeks approval for 15 bills stemming from its probe into POGOs and the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The House of Representatives’ quad committee plans to push for the approval of 15 proposed laws resulting from its investigation into Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs) and the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “We will be submitting a report with around 15 new remedial laws,” said panel chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers during a chance interview on December 10, 2024. “These 15 bills are the outcome of the 12 hearings conducted by the quad committee,” Barbers added, as reported by Inquirer.  In an earlier statement, Barbers noted that four of the 15 proposed measures aim to amend Republic Act No. 9165, the country’s anti-drug act.  Additionally, the panel intends to recommend filing charges against at least 10 individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, POGOs, and extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration. For the mega panel’s upcoming session, Barbers confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte would not be invited to testify further, as his previous statements had already provided sufficient information for the investigation. Barbers earlier bared plans to release a progress report summarizing its findings from 12 hearings.  Barbers stated in a radio interview that the consolidated report, which combines related issues discussed during the hearings, will be presented to the public after gaining plenary approval, according to a GMA News Report.  The partial report is expected to be issued before the House adjourns for its Christmas break on December 18. Read related article: DICT Sees Drop in Text Scams as POGO Deadline Nears

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reports fewer text scams as the Dec 31  Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) ban nears. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported a significant decrease in the number of text scams as the deadline for the complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) or  Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) approaches. During an interview on the sidelines of a workshop on government digitalization cooperation, DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol Jr. noted a substantial decline in text scam incidents, particularly as the December 31, 2024 deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. draws near. "Malaki ang pagbabago talaga. Sobrang laki. Dati inuulan kami ng mga tawag eh sa aming e-report. Pero ngayon, declining talaga yung report talaga ng text cam ngayon. Sobrang declining (There has been a big change, truly a significant one. Before, we used to get flooded with calls for our e-reports. But now, the reports through the text scam platform are really declining. It's drastically declining)," Almirol said, as reported by the Inquirer.  While the DICT focuses on e-government initiatives and doesn't handle law enforcement regarding text scams, Almirol emphasized the importance of eradicating these illegal activities. POGOs are businesses offering online gambling services primarily to foreign customers. Their presence in the Philippines has been a source of controversy, with concerns raised about their potential links to money laundering, illegal activities, and increased crime rates. A recent report titled "The State of Scams in the Philippines 2024," published by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance last October, revealed that Filipinos lost an astounding $8.1 billion—approximately P460 billion—to text scams over the past year. This staggering amount represents about 1.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. On average, each victim suffered a financial loss of $275, or roughly P16,000, due to fraudulent schemes. The study also highlighted that 39 percent of respondents in the Philippines had fallen victim to scammers, yet only three percent managed to recover their lost money, underscoring the difficulties in addressing such crimes. Read related article: P460 Billion Lost to Scams in PH, POGO Operations Linked

The Anti-POGO Act of 2024 (Senate Bill No. 2868) seeks to "eliminate once and for all the operations" of POGOs in the Philippines. Efforts to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country are gaining momentum, with Senate deliberations moving forward on two key measures aimed at eradicating the controversial industry.  On December 9, 2024, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, presented the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024 (Senate Bill No. 2868) and accompanying Committee Report No. 342 for plenary discussion.   The bill, which aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order to halt POGO operations, seeks to institutionalize a ban on offshore gaming. According to Gatchalian, this legislation ensures that the prohibition will extend beyond the current administration, creating a lasting legal framework against the industry.   Comprehensive Ban Proposed   Under the proposed legislation, all POGO-related activities—including operations, content provision, and site development—would be outlawed in the Philippines by January 1, 2025. The bill also calls for the revocation of all POGO licenses by December 31, 2024, and the cancellation of Alien Employment Permits issued to individuals associated with the industry. Violators, whether individuals or entities, would face penalties outlined under existing laws, such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.  Government officials who assist in POGO operations would face additional consequences, including dismissal, a lifetime ban from public service, and the forfeiture of retirement benefits.   Gatchalian emphasized that the bill goes beyond prohibiting POGO activities. It also directs agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to collaborate with others to support affected Filipino workers as they transition to alternative employment opportunities.   “With each provision, we are laying down a framework that not only bans offshore gaming operations but also builds safeguards for our people. Sa pamamagitan ng Anti-POGO Act, binubura natin ang kadilimang dulot ng POGO at ibinabalik ang dangal ng ating bayan (The Anti-POGO Act eliminates the darkness POGOs have brought and restores dignity to our nation),” Gatchalian said.   Econo mic and Social Costs    Gatchalian presented findings from Senate inquiries that highlighted the adverse economic and social impacts of POGOs. A report by the Department of Finance revealed that the net annual cost of allowing POGOs to operate in 2023 reached ₱99.52 billion, far outweighing any economic benefits.   Gatchalian pointed out that Filipinos would “pay the price” if POGOs would be allowed to continue operating in the Philippines. "This is something we cannot afford to happen,” he stated.   Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed these sentiments, citing cases of fraud, abuse, and threats to national security linked to POGO operations. Hontiveros also criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte for initially permitting POGOs to operate, which she said brought promises of jobs and economic aid but ultimately led to exploitation and societal harm.   “Nangako sila ng trabaho at tulong—pero ang tunay nilang dala, karumal-dumal na panloloko, abuso, at panganib 'di lang sa mga Pilipino kundi pati sa pambansang kaayusan at seguridad (They promised jobs and assistance—but what they truly brought were heinous deception, abuse, and threats not only to Filipinos but also to national order and security)," said Hontiveros. Institutional Safeguards   The bill includes provisions to repeal Republic Act No. 11590, which had previously legitimized offshore gaming through taxation. By dismantling this law taxing POGOs, lawmakers aim to permanently remove the industry from Philippine soil.   President Marcos had already declared a POGO ban during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. Following his directive, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was tasked with phasing out and ceasing all POGO operations by the end of the year.   READ: President Marcos Signs Executive Order 74 Enforcing POGO Ban Broader Support in the Senate   Senator Joel Villanueva, a principal sponsor of the bill, underscored the necessity of codifying the ban to ensure that POGOs cannot return under any future administration. “This act will eradicate all traces of POGOs in our country and prevent their resurgence,” Villanueva said.   Senators Gatchalian and Hontiveros both stressed that the victims of POGO-related crimes—ranging from human trafficking to financial fraud—must not be forgotten. “Each victim has a story, a name, and a family. It is our duty to end the cycle of crimes and injustice caused by POGOs,” Gatchalian said.   Read related article: DICT Sees Drop in Text Scams as POGO Deadline Nears

The House Panel will be recommending four pieces of legislation regarding Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) and extrajudicial killings (EJKs). The House of Representatives’ quad committee is set to release an "initial report" before Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20, 2024. This report will include not only a progress update on their findings but also propose four key pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the pressing issues.  Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers served as the presiding chairman of this  Quad Comm which was tasked with investigating the links between illegal drugs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  Barbers explained that the report would be submitted to the plenary as a progress report. "The reason why we will submit [the initial report] in the plenary is that this is a progress report, and because there are things that really need to be acted upon the soonest, like our proposed legislation that we have already filed," Barbers was quoted as saying in a Philippine Star article.  Barbers emphasized that the proposed legislation would be critical for the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities linked to POGOs and the drug trade. The lawmaker added that the House plenary, which is composed of more than 300 members, could suggest that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. include these measures in his priority legislative agenda. Furthermore, they may urge the President to certify these bills as urgent, facilitating a faster approval process in Congress. Proposed Legislation to Address EJKs and POGOs The quad committee’s proposed legislation includes several measures aimed at tackling the root causes of these social problems.  One key proposal is a bill that would define extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as a heinous crime, carrying the maximum penalty for offenders. Another proposal calls for the creation of an inter-agency committee, led by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), to expedite the cancellation of fraudulent birth certificates. These fake documents have reportedly been used by some foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, to acquire Filipino citizenship, further complicating efforts to combat illegal activities linked to POGOs and organized crime. Barbers highlighted that these measures were among the four remedial bills that the committee had already filed, aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to respond to these challenges. The initial report is expected to contain further recommendations for filing charges against individuals involved in illegal drug operations, illicit POGOs, and EJKs. The committee will also urge the relevant government agencies to actively pursue these cases to ensure accountability and justice. The inquiry, which is being conducted by the mega panel, has uncovered disturbing information, including instances where several Chinese nationals were found to have fraudulently obtained Filipino citizenship.  The committee's co-chairmen—Representatives Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa, Laguna; Bienvenido Abante of Manila’s sixth district; and Joseph Stephen Paduano of the Abang Lingkod party-list—have played crucial roles in the investigation. Barbers chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, while Fernandez heads the committee on public order and safety, Abante leads the human rights committee, and Paduano chairs the committee on public accounts. Accountability for Local Officials Involved in POGOs Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has warned local government officials that they may face suspension similar to Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil, who was recently placed under preventive suspension for his alleged failure to properly address POGO operations in his locality. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of holding local government officials accountable for POGO activities in their areas of jurisdiction. “There is a precedent that local government chief executives could be suspended when POGOs enter their place,” Gatchalian stated. He added that local officials play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses operating in their areas comply with national policies, particularly those related to illegal activities such as POGOs. Gatchalian pointed out that the suspension of Mayor Capil was due to his alleged negligence in overseeing POGO operations within his jurisdiction. The mayor is accused of failing to inspect the operations and of issuing permits that did not align with the true nature of the businesses. The Office of the Ombudsman served a six-month preventive suspension against Capil, further underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that local officials take responsibility for the activities in their areas. READ: Porac Mayor, 10 Others Suspended Over POGO-Linked Crimes The senator also drew a distinction between negligence and direct involvement in criminal activities. He cited the case of Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who was dismissed from office after being implicated in enabling illegal POGO operations in her town. Guo faces serious allegations of active complicity in allowing these operations to flourish, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability at all levels of government. As the national government intensifies its stance against POGOs, Gatchalian stressed the need for local government officials to support the national government's efforts. President Marcos has issued a directive to ban POGOs, signaling a firm stance on the issue. Local officials are now being called upon to cooperate in enforcing the ban and ensuring that their jurisdictions are free from illegal POGO activities. Read related article: House Passes Bill vs. Fake Birth Certificates of Foreigners

“Even flying schools can fly persons out of the Philippines,” said Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, saying immigration officers inspect private hangars upon request. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are investigating the possible illegal departure of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, following reports that no official records exist of his exit from the country. The investigation centers on the possibility that Roque may have left the Philippines using a private plane, bypassing official immigration channels. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed the ongoing probe and highlighted concerns regarding private hangars and ports, which could potentially be used for unauthorized departures.  “The big issue here is the private hangars and ports that could also be used,” Vasquez said in an interview with dzBB. He pointed out that the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) holds jurisdiction over private hangars, making it challenging to detect unauthorized flights unless there is a request for inspection.  Vasquez emphasized that this is not the first time such a situation has arisen. He referenced the case of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who managed to leave the country undetected in July, evading a Senate arrest warrant.  Guo, who had allegedly been involved in POGO-related criminal activities, was later caught in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines in September. Vasquez noted that even flying schools have been known to help people exit the country without proper immigration checks. "Even flying schools can fly persons out of the Philippines," he added. The BI’s legal team is also considering the possibility of filing charges against Roque for his alleged unauthorized departure. Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado stated that official BI records show no recent attempts by Roque to leave the country through formal immigration channels.  “It’s impossible that he left through formal ports,” Viado said. This has led authorities to suspect that Roque may have used a private flight to avoid detection. Roque, who is currently involved in a qualified human trafficking case linked to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 Corp. in Porac, Pampanga, confirmed that he traveled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to have his counteraffidavit notarized. However, his admission has raised further questions about how he managed to leave the Philippines without immigration authorities being aware. The DOJ had issued an immigration lookout bulletin order on August 6, 2024 against Roque and 11 others tied to the controversial POGO hub, which was raided by authorities in June for alleged human trafficking activities. The case has raised alarms about the role of POGOs in transnational crime, with some lawmakers suggesting that the POGO industry may have helped Roque slip through immigration controls. Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval emphasized the need to enhance the country’s legal framework to address cases of individuals leaving the Philippines through unauthorized channels.   “There is no specific law that covers people, Filipinos, going out of the country. Walang punitive action ang Filipinos going out of the country illegally (There is currently no specific law that penalizes Filipinos for exiting the country illegally),” Sandoval explained, noting the absence of measures in such situations.  Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who has also been involved in investigations into the POGO industry, expressed concern over the apparent weakness in border control.  "I hope this is not an ‘Alice Guo part two’ because you cannot take a boat all the way to the Middle East. It’s impossible," Gatchalian said, drawing a comparison between Roque’s potential escape and Guo’s evasive journey to Malaysia, which allegedly involved multiple boats to evade detection. Gatchalian has called for a formal investigation into Roque’s travel, stressing that the BI’s failure to monitor and regulate departures is a serious issue that could undermine efforts to combat transnational crime. The senator also noted that Roque’s case is part of a troubling pattern of inadequate border controls that could allow criminal elements, including those involved in POGOs, to freely move across borders. “I’m looking at this seriously, not because of Harry Roque alone, but because this already happened to Alice Guo. Maybe this is happening regularly,” Gatchalian added. Read related article: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit