On Tuesday, a Senate committee wrapped up its investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), which were prohibited this summer following reports of widespread crime and Chinese infiltration.
The session culminated with a sharp condemnation from Senator Risa Hontiveros, deputy minority leader and head of the committee probing the POGOs.
POGOs “have been revealed to be nothing but a Trojan horse” that engaged in online fraud, exploited forced labor, and threatened national security, stated Hontiveros, as reported by the Manila Standard. “They have unmasked a network of individuals who exploited POGOs for their selfish interests and personal gain – all at the expense of the Filipino people.”
She enumerated a series of “heinous crimes including large-scale scamming, corruption, kidnapping, torture, prostitution, and human trafficking.”
Scam Farms
POGOs were introduced in 2016, reportedly lured by the Philippines’ lax gaming regulations. While some licensed operations seemingly abided by the rules, others devolved into “scam farms.”
Former workers recounted being enticed by well-paying jobs, only to be detained against their will and forced to work for their freedom. Some were threatened with torture if they failed to meet daily quotas.
In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr banned the industry, stating: “This grave abuse and disrespect of our laws must stop.”
Scam Mayor
At today’s hearing, Hontiveros noted the goal “has never been to prove any single individual guilty.” Nonetheless, she pointed out Alice Guo, the infamous “POGO mayor.” The mediagenic young woman has captivated public attention since her wrongdoings surfaced.
Alice Guo is, in fact, a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. She ran for office in 2022 using false identification, including a counterfeit birth certificate. She was elected mayor of Bamban and allegedly managed a large-scale POGO in the provincial town during her term.
Following a March raid on the facility, Guo vanished and later fled the country. Law enforcement apprehended her in Indonesia, and she was extradited to the Philippines. Since then, she has been detained without bail on charges of money laundering and human trafficking.
According to the Philippine Inquirer, Guo was expected to attend today’s hearing, but a Pasig City court rejected the Senate panel’s request due to a judicial scheduling conflict.
Despite this, Hontiveros addressed the defendant: “Guo Hua Ping, this committee has exposed you as a Chinese national mocking our Filipino identity to accumulate wealth and perpetrate crimes against actual Filipinos. I leave your fate, Ms. Guo, to our courts and eagerly anticipate the day you face justice.”
Hontiveros: Philippines Needs Reform
Concluding the session, Hontiveros reiterated her call for the government to ensure Marcos’ ban is foolproof.
The president recently enacted Executive Order 74, prohibiting internet gaming and support services from operating in the Philippines. However, he dismissed calls to legislate the ban, deeming the EO “sufficient” to prevent future illegal activities.
Hontiveros disagrees and stated her position today before an attentive national audience.
“Friends, this may mark the end of our hearings on POGO,” she said. “But this is just the beginning of the legislative reforms we aim to pursue, to assure every Filipino there will never be another Alice Guo.”