The "Quadrilateral Joint Investigation Committee" of the Philippine House of Representatives held its final public hearing on June 9, focusing on exposing how Chinese-backed transnational criminal groups actively infiltrate the social structure of the Philippines through offshore gambling (POGO). The investigation revealed that these groups are involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, and drug trafficking, and have received direct or indirect support from some Philippine political and business figures.
Joint Chairman, Representative Robert Ace Barbers of the Second District of Northern Surigao, strongly condemned these forces at the hearing, stating, "These Chinese are trampling on our country, and what is more shameful is that some Filipinos are willingly opening doors for them."
According to the committee's investigation, Executive Order No. 13 issued by the Duterte administration in 2016, which relaxed POGO regulatory standards, was a key factor in the rapid growth of underground criminal groups. These illegal zones are not only hotbeds for scams, money laundering, illegal detention, and torture but are also linked to murder and large-scale crime networks.
Several political and business figures associated with this criminal system were named at the hearing, including former Banban Mayor Guo Huaping, who was accused of being a Chinese citizen and forging a Filipino identity to enter politics; former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and businessman Katherine Ong were also listed as subjects of investigation.
In addition, former presidential advisor Michael Yang and businessman Wei Xiong Lin were accused of setting up a complex POGO crime network through controlling shell companies and agents, and allegedly exchanging bribes for official protection.
Barbers stated, "We can no longer remain silent about these atrocities. Whether it's the victims of illegal detention or children torn apart by trafficked families, we must seek justice."
Committee member Bienvenido Abante Jr. pointed out that these 15 hearings are just the beginning of uncovering the truth. He announced that Congress will push for several key legislative reforms including:
Defining extrajudicial executions as a serious crime;
Completely banning POGO;
Establishing mechanisms to confiscate illegal assets;
Cracking down on foreigners forging birth documents;
Formulating new national security and anti-espionage laws.
Although the public investigation phase has concluded, public opinion and civic groups demand that the government continue to hold accountable. More and more Filipinos are concerned that without strong measures, the country will completely become a "safe haven" for transnational criminal groups.
