POGO, Politics, and Philippine Corruption: A Crisis of Accountability

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — February 17, 2025

BEFORE the dust could settle on Pampanga’s shadowy past as a haven for illicit offshore gaming, a new battle erupts—this time in the halls of power. Mayor Jaime Capil waves a House certification like a shield, claiming exoneration. But the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) isn’t buying it. They say he’s still knee-deep in graft. The question now: Is this justice at work, or just another chapter in the Philippines’ long saga of power, corruption, and impunity?

A Tale of Two Findings: Legislative vs. Legal Realities

Capil’s camp touts the quad committee’s certification as a lifeline, a document asserting that investigations found “no involvement whatsoever” on his part. But here’s the problem: a congressional probe conducted “in aid of legislation” is not a judicial proceeding. The committee has no legal authority to acquit or absolve anyone—only courts can do that. The PAOCC, a law enforcement body with investigative powers, has stood by its own findings, leading to the filing of graft charges against Capil and other officials.

This divergence between political and legal realities is dangerous. The certification may serve as a public relations tool, but it does not erase the existing charges. If anything, it underscores a broader issue: the manipulation of legislative bodies for political redemption, often at the expense of true accountability.

The POGO Curse: How Corruption Thrives

The allegations against Capil and his officials are striking. According to the PAOCC’s complaint, local authorities failed to issue a Letter of No Objection (LONO)—a prerequisite for POGO operations—yet still granted business permits. The result? A gaming hub that became a breeding ground for human trafficking, cyber fraud, and labor abuses.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Across the country, similar scandals have surfaced, with local government units turning a blind eye to criminal activities in exchange for political and financial gain. The Lucky South 99 hub in Porac was raided due to reports of forced labor, torture, and scamming operations—all allegedly happening under the watch of elected officials who were either negligent or complicit.

Political Maneuvering or a Broken System?

The Capil case exemplifies a troubling trend: politicians leveraging procedural loopholes to deflect accountability. Here’s how the playbook works:

When accused, seek a certification from a legislative body rather than a legal one.
Hold a press conference declaring “vindication.”
Use the certification as a shield in upcoming elections, claiming political persecution.
Hope that public fatigue and procedural delays outlast the scandal.

The timing of Capil’s press conference is telling—months ahead of his re-election bid. This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s an electoral strategy. If the courts don’t move swiftly, the case risks becoming just another unresolved controversy buried under political noise.

Lessons from the Past: A Pattern of Governance Failures

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen governance eroded by selective exoneration. Across different administrations, politically connected figures accused of graft have successfully evaded justice by manipulating procedural technicalities. Legislative bodies have repeatedly been used as shields for those seeking to deflect accountability, whether through congressional commissions, procedural loopholes, or political alliances that override due process.

The Capil controversy follows this pattern, reflecting a broader governance crisis where political influence outweighs the rule of law. It is a cautionary tale of how democratic institutions, when misused, can enable rather than curb corruption.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Change?

The Capil case highlights systemic flaws that need urgent reform:

Strengthen Legal Independence: Legislative findings should not be misrepresented as legal verdicts. The judiciary must reinforce this distinction.
Enhance Oversight Mechanisms: Agencies like the Office of the Ombudsman and the PAOCC should have expedited procedures to prevent political interference in corruption cases.
Public Accountability: Voters must be wary of politicians who manipulate procedural findings for electoral gain. Civil society and the media must keep such cases in the public eye.
Crack Down on POGOs: The Philippines must reassess the costs and benefits of the POGO industry. A total ban may be necessary if regulatory failures persist.

Conclusion: A Test for Philippine Democracy

If Mayor Capil’s case proves anything, it’s that accountability in Philippine politics is fragile—perhaps even illusory. The real danger isn’t just whether he is guilty, but whether the legal system bends to power instead of truth. Because if political influence can erase wrongdoing, then justice isn’t just compromised—it’s for sale.

The Philippines deserves better. It is time to demand real accountability, not just political theatrics.