House launches motu proprio probe into POGOs starting July 17

The House of Representatives will launch a motu proprio investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) starting Wednesday, July 17.

House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chair Dan Fernandez announced that the joint hearing by his committee and the Committee on Games and Amusements would include an ocular inspection in Lagundi, Mexico, Pampanga, to check if it is a potential POGO site.

The investigation will involve officials from various government agencies such as Pagcor, NBI, PAOCC, city leagues, municipal leagues, and additional entities like the Philippine National Police Cybercrime Group and Bureau of Immigration.

Lawmakers aim to identify criminal elements behind illegal POGOs and regulatory gaps allowing evasion of laws, with a focus on crafting stringent measures and reforms to address national security concerns.

During the inspection, lawmakers will also assess whether the compound was previously scrutinized in a separate investigation by the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs for potential human trafficking activities.