Final Senate Hearing on POGO Crimes: Investigations, Findings, and Future Policies

Senate Investigation on POGO Activities Concludes

After 19 months and 15 hearings, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality will conclude its investigation into crimes linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The final hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the committee, confirmed the date and mentioned that new information regarding Chinese government spying will be discussed.

The committee began its public hearings on April 19, 2023. Hontiveros indicated they have discovered new evidence about Chinese spies operating in the Philippines through POGOs. The committee plans to recommend various reforms.

One key recommendation will involve tightening the process for acquiring birth certificates to avoid cases similar to that of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. The committee will also address the needs of POGO victims and displaced workers. Additionally, they will look into preventing agrarian reform lands from being used for non-agricultural activities, which was an issue at a POGO in Porac, Pampanga.

Senator Hontiveros confirmed that Guo is still required to attend the last hearing.