House Prosecution adviser and trial spokesman Robert Ace Barbers has urged civilian, military, and security authorities to launch a coordinated intelligence and financial investigation into reports that remnants of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are preparing to support and finance candidates in the 2028 presidential and local elections in exchange for political protection.
“If these reports are true, we must act now. Trace the money, identify the financiers, expose their political contacts and build airtight cases against anyone involved in this scheme. Do not wait for the campaign period—or for these syndicates to regain a foothold in government,” Barbers said.
The former lawmaker cited reports from PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio warning that POGO operators may use “dirty money” to corrupt politicians and influence the May 2028 polls.
He also cited recent law enforcement operations that underscore the continuing challenge posed by suspected illegal POGO-linked and online scam operations despite the government’s nationwide ban.
On October 2, authorities arrested 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, during simultaneous raids on suspected POGO-related facilities in Siay and Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. The Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, and Armed Forces of the Philippines participated in the operations. Authorities seized large quantities of electronic equipment, including approximately 3,000 mobile phones, along with computers, laptops, and SIM cards. Investigators are also examining possible human trafficking-related violations.
On October 12, another 76 foreign nationals—74 Chinese and two Myanmar nationals—were apprehended at a suspected illegal POGO-related facility in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. Authorities said the operation was allegedly being used for online scamming activities. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has also been examining possible national security implications of the facility’s proximity to Camp Aguinaldo.
“These operations show why we cannot afford to be complacent. Even after the POGO ban, suspected operations are still being uncovered in different parts of the country. We must determine who finances them, who provides logistical support, who protects them and whether any of their resources are being diverted to influence our elections,” Barbers pointed out.
During his stint as lead chair of the House Quad Committee, Barbers brought together inquiries into illegal POGO activities such as illegal drugs, extrajudicial killings, and related national security concerns like violating gaming regulations, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, online scams, corruption of local collaborators, and use of legit business fronts for illicit operations.
Its public hearings provided a congressional forum for witnesses to present testimony, officials to answer questions, and investigators to examine how these alleged activities were facilitated and sustained. Its final report, submitted in June 2025, included proposed measures addressing the prohibition of POGOs, the forfeiture of real property unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals, fraudulent birth registrations, and espionage-related offenses, among other issues.
The solon from Mindanao called on the Philippine National Police, NBI, AFP intelligence units, PAOCC, Anti-Money Laundering Council, and Commission on Elections to establish a coordinated investigative mechanism to trace suspected illicit funds and uncover possible links between organized crime and political financing.
“Sundan ang pera. Tukuyin ang mga financier, middleman at pulitikong posibleng kasabwat. I-cross-check ang kahina-hinalang transaksiyon at campaign contributions, at magsampa ng kaso kapag sapat ang ebidensiya. We need concrete investigative results, not just warnings and intelligence reports,” he stressed.
He emphasized that recent arrests must not be treated as isolated immigration or cybercrime cases if evidence points to a wider network. Authorities should determine whether the suspected operations are connected, whether criminal proceeds are being moved through common financial channels, and whether any evidence supports allegations of political protection or election-related funding.
However, Barbers stressed that these possible links must be established through evidence, not assumptions based on nationality or association with a suspected operation.
“An arrest is only the beginning. The bigger task is to dismantle the entire network—its money, its operators, its protectors and its connections. If there is evidence of corruption or illegal campaign financing, follow it wherever it leads, regardless of the position or influence of those involved,” Barbers also said.
Barbers challenged all presidential and local candidates to publicly declare their opposition to illegal POGO operations and reject campaign funding linked to criminal activity.
“Walang puwang sa ating halalan ang perang galing sa krimen. Walang kandidatong dapat magbenta ng proteksiyon kapalit ng pondo mula sa mga sindikato. The Filipino people deserve elections decided by voters—not by criminal money,” he said.
“The mission is straightforward: follow the money before it reaches the ballot box, expose any political protection network before it gains influence over government, and prevent criminal syndicates from using the 2028 elections as a pathway back into the country. Protecting our elections is protecting our national security,” Barbers also said.