A LAWMAKER has called on the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to begin the forfeiture proceedings for the real estate assets held by the family of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, and all other Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
In a statement, Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles said that the landholdings are in direct violation of the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits non-Filipinos from owning land in the country.
Nograles noted that some foreign entities and individuals, including those involved in POGOs, had been exploiting legal loopholes to acquire property that undermines national laws.
“The Philippine Constitution is clear: Non-Filipinos are not allowed to own land in the country. The increasing reports of Chinese nationals and corporations, particularly those connected to POGOs holding real estate assets, are deeply alarming and must be addressed with urgency,” Nograles said.
She also called on the LRA to issue an adverse claim on these properties to prevent further transactions and secure the landholdings in favor of the government.
“We need to protect the integrity of our Constitution and ensure that the laws are strictly enforced. I urge the LRA to begin forfeiture proceedings on these illegally held properties and to send a strong message that the Philippines will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent its laws,” she added.
The LRA, Nograles said, should work to prevent criminals from illegally acquiring Philippine land, as allowing them would undermine the Philippines’ reputation among the community of nations.
She also expressed “deep concern” over the potential links between illegal land acquisitions and other forms of criminal activity, particularly in sectors like POGOs, which have been associated with illicit activities and human trafficking.
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