Philippines Cracks Down on POGOs: Asset Forfeiture and Deportations
Philippines Cracks Down on Illegal Offshore Gaming, Seizes Assets
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), vowing to shut down all operations by the end of the year. executive secretary Lucas Bersamin assured the public that while the government is committed to swift action, due process will be followed in seizing POGO assets.”We are already doing everything to hasten the process.Except that we have to give due process to whoever claims to be the owner of these assets,” Bersamin told reporters at Malacañang on Tuesday.
Bersamin emphasized that existing forfeiture laws will be applied to seize POGO assets, stating, “He (President Marcos) does not need to issue a directive. It’s already a given that they will be forfeited if they were involved in a crime.”
The Revised Penal code allows the government to confiscate and forfeit proceeds or instruments used in criminal activity. Bersamin added that the government could repurpose seized assets for legitimate purposes.
Deportations and Visa Downgrades
the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently deported 34 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in illegal POGO operations. The individuals were apprehended in raids conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and faced charges including being undocumented, overstaying, and working without proper visas.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reported that out of over 33,000 registered POGO employees, approximately 23,000 to 24,000 have voluntarily left the country. Around 8,000 have applied for visa downgrades.
Viado urged remaining POGO workers to leave the country or downgrade their visas by December 31st, warning that those who fail to comply will be blacklisted.
A Nationwide Ban
President Marcos signed Executive Order 74 in November, mandating a ban on POGOs and internet gaming licensees, including new license applications, renewals, and the discontinuation of operations.
The President first announced the ban during his third State of the Nation address in July, citing concerns over the social and economic impact of POGOs.
The government’s decisive action against illegal POGOs reflects a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the interests of the Filipino people.
Philippines’ Crackdown on Illegal Offshore Gaming: An Interview with an Expert
NewsDirectory3.com: The Philippine government is taking a strong stance against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), aiming for a complete shutdown by year’s end.can you shed some light on the legal framework supporting this crackdown and the potential consequences POGO operators face?
Dr. Antonio Cruz, Professor of Law, University of the Philippines: The government’s action is firmly grounded in existing laws, primarily the Revised Penal Code. This code allows for the confiscation and forfeiture of assets linked to criminal activity.
in the case of illegal POGOs, which often operate without proper licensing and engage in various criminal activities like money laundering and human trafficking, the government has a strong legal basis for seizing their assets. Additionally, the recent Executive Order 74 issued by President Marcos explicitly bans POGO operations, providing further legal backing for the government’s crackdown.
NewsDirectory3.com: What are some of the potential ramifications for individuals working in these illegal operations?
Dr. Cruz: We see the Bureau of Immigration actively deporting individuals involved in illegal POGOs. Many face charges related to immigration violations, including working without proper visas. The government is urging remaining POGO workers to leave the country voluntarily or apply for visa downgrades by December 31st,after which they risk being blacklisted.
NewsDirectory3.com: The government has mentioned repurposing seized POGO assets. What are some of the possibilities for these assets?
Dr. Cruz: The government has the discretion to repurpose seized assets for various legitimate purposes, such as funding social programs, infrastructure development, or law enforcement initiatives. This approach not only helps recover financial losses incurred due to illegal activities but also contributes to societal wellbeing.
NewsDirectory3.com: The Philippines’ stance against these kinds of operations seems to be hardening.Why do you think that is?
Dr. Cruz: There’s growing recognition within the government and among the public of the social and economic downsides of unregulated POGOs. Concerns have been raised about their links to criminal activities, their potential exploitation of workers, and the negative impact on local communities. the government’s decisive action is a response to these concerns, demonstrating a commitment to uphold the law and safeguard the interests of the Filipino people.