SUSPECTS. Ex-mayor Alice Guo (left) and Cassandra Ong, both suspected accomplices of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, attend the public hearing of the House of Representatives quad committee at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Thursday (Sept. 19, 2024). The committee said the ongoing investigation aims not only to expose wrongdoers but also to craft legislative solutions to prevent future abuses. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Thursday said the House Quad Committee (Quadcom) will expose and hold accountable government officials found to have betrayed the country by conspiring with the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Barbers made this remark at the sixth hearing of the joint panel investigating the interconnected issues of POGOs, the illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisition by Chinese nationals, and alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the previous Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
“Di alintana ang kapahamakang idudulot sa bayan, itong mga traydor na ito ay hinayaang yumabong at lumaki ang impluwensya at kapangyarihan ng mga sindikatong ito, basta lamang mapuno ang mga bulsa ng kayamanang kapalit ng dangal ng bayan (Ignoring the catastrophe that may happen to the nation, these traitors allowed to grow the influence and might of this syndicate, just to fill their pockets with riches in exchange of the country’s honor),” Barbers said.
He said previous hearings have exposed POGOs as fronts for numerous criminal activities, revealing that Chinese nationals operating these establishments falsely claim to offer overseas gambling services, despite gambling being illegal in China.
Barbers said the Quadcom uncovered how drug money was used to buy influence and corrupt government systems, enabling the acquisition of fake Filipino identities and allowing POGOs to acquire real estate and other properties, which are then used to launder the illicit funds.
“Lahat po ito ay nangyari sapagkat nakipagsabwatan sa kanila ang mga kawani ng gobyerno. Kapalit ang salapi, pumayag at hinayaan ng mga kawani at matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno na sila ay magamit bilang mga protektor, kinatawan, at mistulang nag-abogado para sa mga POGO na ito (All these happened because of the government officials collaborated with them. For money, high government officials agreed and allowed to be used as protectors, representatives, and lawyer for these POGOs),” Barbers said.
He said the committee’s ongoing investigation aims not only to expose these wrongdoers but also to craft legislative solutions to prevent future abuses.
Among the proposed legislative measures are the adaptation of the US Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, amendments to the Anti-Dummy Law, and a review of the Special Investors Resident Visa Program.
Barbers downplayed critics of the Quadcom, saying discrediting remarks only proved that targets of the investigation are hurting while the panel is getting more valuable information in aid of legislation.
“Let me take this opportunity therefore to remind everyone that the power to conduct investigations in aid of legislation is a fundamental function of Congress, enshrined in Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution,” he said.
“Congress is empowered to investigate, to compel testimony, and to demand documents when it is necessary to fulfill our legislative mandate. These inquiries are designed to shed light on matters of public interest, to recommend policy reforms, and, ultimately, to legislate for the welfare of the nation,” he added.
He said the contempt orders issued by the committee are not overreach but essential tools to ensure the compliance necessary for uncovering the truth.
“The people of this country deserve nothing less than the truth. And let me assure you, this Committee will not be swayed by threats or distractions,” Barbers said. (PNA)
