LRA urged to start forfeiture of real estate assets of POGOs

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

FORFEITURE. Authorities rescue workers of different nationalities allegedly forced to work at an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Las Piñas City on June 26, 2023. Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles on Friday (Sept. 6, 2024) urged the Land Registration Authority to initiate forfeiture proceedings on the real estate assets held by illegal POGOs. (Photo courtesy of PAGCOR via PNA)

MANILA – A party-list lawmaker on Friday urged the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to initiate forfeiture proceedings on the real estate assets held by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as well as the family of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.

In a statement, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Rep. Margarita Nograles said these landholdings are in direct violation of the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits foreigners from owning land in the country.

She said foreign entities and individuals, including those involved in POGO operations, have been exploiting legal loopholes to acquire property.

Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal POGOs in the country and questions about her citizenship.

“The Philippine Constitution is clear: non-Filipinos are not allowed to own land in the country. The increasing reports of Chinese nationals and corporations, particularly those connected to POGOs, holding real estate assets are deeply alarming and must be addressed with urgency,” Nograles said.

She also called on the LRA to immediately issue an adverse claim on these properties to prevent further transactions and secure these landholdings in favor of the government.

Civil and criminal forfeiture fall under Republic Act 1379 or “An act declaring forfeiture in favor of the state any property found to have been unlawfully acquired by any public officer or employee and providing for the proceedings therefor.”

“We need to protect the integrity of our Constitution and ensure that the laws are strictly enforced,” Nograles said.

She, meanwhile, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies to investigate and crack down on illegal land acquisitions by undesirable aliens and criminal organizations.

“The LRA, along with other government agencies, must work hand in hand to prevent criminal elements from illegally acquiring Philippine land,” she said.

Nograles said the Constitution was designed to protect the country’s resources and ensure that Filipinos benefit from them.

“Allowing foreign entities, particularly those connected to industries like POGOs, to control land here undermines our reputation among the community of nations,” she said.

Nograles said POGOs have been tied to criminal activities that pose serious threats to national security, such as human trafficking and money laundering.

“By taking swift action against illegal land ownership, we not only uphold the Constitution but also protect the Philippines from further risks associated with these operations,” she said.

In his third State of the Nation Address last July 22, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. banned all POGOs in the country and ordered PAGCOR to cease POGO operations by the end of the year, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment to help workers who will be displaced.