As the Philippines gears up for the 2028 elections, lawmakers are sounding the alarm on the possible involvement of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in political financing. Ace Barbers, a prosecution adviser in the House of Representatives, has urged law enforcement and financial agencies to mobilize against these syndicates.
Lawmakers Call for Immediate Action
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.
Ace Barbers, House Prosecution Adviser
- In October 2026, 244 foreigners were arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay linked to illegal POGO operations.
- Another 76 suspects were apprehended in Quezon City for alleged online scams related to POGOs.
Barbers highlighted the need for a coordinated effort among various agencies, including the Philippine National Police and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, to trace illicit funds. His call for action follows multiple raids on suspected POGO facilities, despite a nationwide ban on the industry.
Recent law enforcement operations have led to significant arrests, with authorities discovering thousands of mobile devices and potential evidence of human trafficking. Barbers emphasized that complacency is not an option, citing ongoing investigations into the networks behind these operations.
He urged investigators to establish connections between suspected facilities and determine whether proceeds from these operations are funneled through common financial channels. The implications of these findings could affect the integrity of the electoral process.
Barbers previously chaired the House Quad Committee, which scrutinized various illegal activities tied to POGOs, such as money laundering and corruption. However, he cautioned against making unfounded assumptions about political financing based solely on nationality or associations.
He further challenged political candidates to refuse any campaign contributions linked to criminal enterprises, stressing the importance of fair elections. "The Filipino people deserve elections decided by voters — not by criminal money," Barbers asserted.