DOJ, AMLC working closely on ‘dirty money scheme’ in POGOs

Sugay said the DOJ must wait for a complaint before it can act. (File photo by Ramon FVelasquez/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it is working with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in keeping a close watch on supposed money laundering activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“We’re just taking our cue on the outcome of the Senate investigation on this matter. But we’ve also made instructions and we (have) also coordinated with the AMLC to make sure that the matter is looked into,” Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay told reporters.

Sugar said that if there are appropriate or criminal complaints that need to be pursued, the DOJ has assured the AMLC of its readiness to pursue indictments.

He said the AMLC needs to keep a low profile without being complacent to effectively enforce its mandate.

“You have to do it very carefully, very deliberately and we also want to make sure that the work is done properly. Ganun talaga (ang) AMLC, tahimik lang talaga yon, ganun lang talaga yun (That is how Amlac is supposed to act. It must be silent. That’s how it works),” he said.

Sugay said the DOJ must wait for a complaint before it can act.

He said persons found liable for the crime “will have to be made accountable under our anti-money laundering laws”.

He added that foreigners, once found guilty, will have to serve their sentence in the country first before being deported.

Senator Richard Gordon has called for an inquiry into an estimated PHP22.7 billion which he said found its way into the country through the operation of POGOs.