The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the Philippines has raised alarms about potential political influence from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the 2025 midterm elections.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio expressed concerns that despite an official ban, POGOs remain active and may financially back candidates linked to Chinese criminal syndicates. The warning comes as dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, allegedly tied to POGO-related activities, was keen to seek her candidacy, further fueling fears of political manipulation by such operators.
However, yesterday, Alice Guo announced that she would not seek reelection as mayor of Bamban in 2025 in an effort to clear her name amid the ongoing cases filed against her.
As election season heats up, the PAOCC is urging vigilance, noting the ongoing risk of “POGO politics.” The influence of these gaming operations, particularly from Chinese criminal organizations, remains a serious concern despite government crackdowns. Casio pointed out that POGOs continue to operate, with recent raids revealing new hires, indicating their persistence despite official bans.
This issue highlights broader concerns regarding transparency and the integrity of the upcoming elections. Guo, linked to POGOs, has over P1 billion in assets frozen by the Court of Appeals and is under investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). According to Representative Jil Bongalon, Guo’s financial dealings have drawn scrutiny due to large withdrawals and property disposals ahead of the freeze order, suggesting potential preemptive actions to secure funds.
The PAOCC’s warning underscores how deeply POGOs are intertwined with both criminal syndicates and the local political landscape. As the 2025 elections approach, it remains to be seen how effective the government’s efforts will be in mitigating POGO influence, or if these operators will continue to evade accountability by embedding themselves in Philippine politics. This situation sheds light on the pervasive corruption that allows these organizations to flourish despite government interventions.
