A Philippine legislator has urged the country’s Land Registration Authority (LRA) to seize real estate illegally owned by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the family of ex-Bamban mayor Alice Guo.
The issue stems from foreign entities, particularly Chinese nationals linked to POGOs, exploiting legal loopholes to acquire land, violating the laws of the Philippines. PBA Representative Margarita Nograles pointed out that foreign ownership of land violates the Philippine Constitution and emphasized that this issue goes beyond legality – it also poses a threat to national security.
According to Nograles, this trend undermines the integrity of the Constitution, which clearly states that non-Filipinos are not allowed to own land. There has been a growing number of reports of Chinese nationals and corporations linked to POGOs illegally holding real estate assets, and Nograles insists that the situation must be dealt with urgently.
The politician further explained that Guo, who is facing multiple complaints regarding her alleged involvement with illegal POGO operations, has been accused of using her position to facilitate these land acquisitions. Questions have been raised about her citizenship and her connections to the POGO industry, placing her under increasing scrutiny.
To address this, Nograles urged the LRA to immediately file an “adverse claim” on these properties. This would effectively block any further transactions involving the land, allowing the government to begin the process of reclaiming it. This action would fall under Republic Act 1379, which allows the state to confiscate properties that were unlawfully acquired, particularly those tied to public officials or foreign nationals who have violated the law.
POGOs, once seen as an economic boon to the Philippines, have now become notorious for their connections to organized crime. These offshore gaming operators have been linked to various criminal activities, including money laundering and human trafficking. With this in mind, Nograles stresses the need for the government to take swift action, not only to enforce the law but also to protect the country from the risks associated with these illegal operations.
The issue of illegal land ownership by foreign entities has far-reaching consequences. For one, it erodes the Philippines’ control over its own natural resources. Nograles pointed out that the Constitution was specifically designed to protect Filipino resources for Filipinos, and that the increasing presence of foreign landowners, especially those linked to POGOs, is a direct violation of this principle. Allowing foreign entities to own and control land also threatens the country’s standing in the international community, as it signals that the Philippines is not adequately safeguarding its own resources.
Nograles added that the growing presence of POGOs in the country has raised numerous security concerns. Apart from their involvement in criminal activities, POGOs also pose a broader national security threat. They have facilitated the trafficking of Chinese workers and engaged in money laundering schemes, casting a shadow over the country’s financial and legal systems. With these concerns in mind, Nograles emphasized the importance of acting quickly to prevent any further damage.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took a strong stand against POGOs in his most recent State of the Nation Address. He declared a total ban on POGO operations in the Philippines and ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to stop their activities by the end of the year. Marcos also directed the Department of Labor and Employment to assist displaced workers as a result of the ban, aiming to minimize the social and economic impacts of shutting down the industry.
Nograles’ call for the forfeiture of illegally owned land is a significant step beyond the President’s directive. By seizing the properties connected to illegal POGOs, the government can take a long-term approach to mitigating the influence of these foreign entities. The hope is that this will not only stop current illegal operations but also prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
However, Nograles pointed out that the LRA cannot address this issue alone. She called for greater collaboration between government agencies to ensure that criminal organizations and undesirable foreign entities are prevented from exploiting legal loopholes. The need for stronger regulations and oversight is crucial, as is the tightening of laws to close any gaps that may still exist.
