Gov't to seize POGO assets

The government will apply forfeiture laws in seizing assets of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), as authorities rush to shut down the illegal entities before the end of the year, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

- By HELEN FLORES

He gave assurance that while the government is determined to shut down all POGOs by yearend, due process will be followed. "I read in the newspapers that it is the Senate that will look into it. But we are already doing everything to hasten the process. Except that we have to give due process to whoever claims to be the owner of these assets. Hindi naman pwede i-grab basta (we cannot just grab them)," he told reporters at Malacañang on Tuesday.

Bersamin was referring to a bill filed in the Senate that seeks to outlaw POGOs. A section of the proposed Anti-POGO Act filed in Congress states that "all assets" used by POGOS would be "forfeited in favor of the government." Bersamin noted that the country has existing rules and regulations about forfeiture. He also said there is no need for President Marcos to issue a directive to acquire POGO properties.