Latest news with #POGOs
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
7-Eleven PH bullish on VisMin for expansion
Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive licensor of convenience store 7-Eleven in the country, on Thursday said it is on track to achieve its goal of 500 new stores this year as it is looking to ride on the growth of consumer demand in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. According to PSC president and chief executive officer Jose Victor Paterno, the Visayas and Mindanao regions continue to outperform, which he said was a post-pandemic phenomenon. 'I think last year, almost half the new stores were in VisMin. More than half this year will be in VisMin because it's growing, because they are the most profitable stores, where there's the most consumer demand,' he said in Makati City. The company earlier said it plans to open 500 new stores in 2025 and hit 5,000 stores in 2026. It ended 2024 with 4,130 stores—1,974 of which were franchise stores, and the remaining 2,156 company-owned. 'We continue to monitor. Of course we look for trends and say, the new stores we're opening in the different regions are still doing well — yes, then we continue, and when we see signs of a slowdown or something like, okay, we're oversaturating this region, or this region is slowing down for whatever reason,' Paterno said. 'What I can tell you is that it's pretty strong, and thankfully VisMin continues to outperform,' he added. Asked for his outlook, Paterno said the company is optimistic that it will outperform the second half of 2024. Its third-quarter net income climbed 13.1% to P813.9 million and rose by 1.4% to P1.233 billion in the fourth quarter. 'I think if current economic conditions persist, mathematically we will surpass the second half because the second half was so weak because of maybe the POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), but again, we don't know what's going to happen in the second half, what's going to happen with tariffs,' he said. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., in his State of the Nation Address in July 2024, ordered the ban on all POGOs by the end of 2024, citing the sector's 'grave abuse' and 'disrespect' to the country's system and laws. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in what he termed the 'Liberation Day' policy, planned to slap a 17% reciprocal tariff on Philippine goods, which compares with the 34% rate that Manila charges against American goods. This was set to take effect on April 9, but Trump has since announced a 90-day pause on most countries except China, while countries such as the Philippines could still face a baseline 10% tariff. Shares in PSC were last traded at P46.00 apiece, up by P0.50 or 1.10% from Wednesday's finish of P45.50 per share. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
Asia Times
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Asia Times
Marcos-Duterte blood feud flares into existential crisis
The Philippines has seen its fair share of dynastic rivalries. But the deepening conflict between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and former President Rodrigo Duterte, recently escalated by the latter's arrest and transfer to the Netherlands for trial, is more than just a political battle—it is a blood feud with dangerous consequences for governance, security and the wider region. Unlike mere political rivalries, blood feuds in the Philippine context involve personal vengeance, loyalty betrayals and the mobilization of private armies, political clans and illicit financial networks. In Tagalog, dugo't-higantihan (blood feud) refers to long-standing enmities that go beyond political differences; they are generational struggles driven by perceived betrayals, dishonor and thirst for revenge. Filipino scholars such as Jose Abueva and Alfred McCoy have documented how such feuds, often rooted in local padrino (patron-client) systems, can destabilize entire provinces and, at times, the national government itself. McCoy famously referred to the country as an 'anarchy of families.' The Marcos-Duterte feud is no exception—it is fueled by Duterte's view that Marcos Jr is an ungrateful leader who benefited from his support, only to discard him and his allies once in power. But this is not just about personal grievances. The battle for supremacy between these two political titans is believed to be fragmenting power centers across the country, proliferating violence through the spread of small arms and illicit funds from POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and the drug trade. Worse, this instability is spilling over into ASEAN, posing a direct risk to Malaysia, Indonesia and the broader regional security framework. Duterte's political machine—rooted in Davao, Mindanao, and the powerful political clans of the south—has been actively undermining Marcos Jr's authority. With Congress divided and local warlords sensing opportunity in the new headline-grabbing crisis, the political landscape is tilting toward uncertainty. The Philippine military, which has historically played kingmaker during leadership crises, is also showing certain signs of division. Duterte loyalists remain embedded in the ranks, and if the political crisis escalates, which seems likely after Duterte's arrest and handover to the International Criminal Court, factions within the armed forces could move to protect their interests—whether through internal coups, selective defiance of orders or outright intervention in governance. At the same time, the alliance structure in the country is breaking down. The once-formidable coalition between northern Luzon (Marcos' stronghold) and Mindanao (Duterte's base) is collapsing, pushing the country into deeper instability. The Philippine National Police (PNP), notorious for its role in Duterte's drug war, for which the former leader is awaiting trial on crimes against humanity charges in the Netherlands, remains a wildcard. If Duterte's allies in the security forces begin operating independently, extrajudicial violence could return, fueling further unrest. The most dangerous aspect of this political feud is the increasing circulation of small arms and illicit funds across the country. The Philippines has long suffered from a porous black market for weapons, with firearms flowing from Mindanao's conflict zones, private armies of political clans and corrupt military stockpiles. As political factions begin arming themselves, the risk of localized violence—whether in Mindanao, Cebu or even Metro Manila—grows significantly. In parallel, the rise of POGOs and laundering of drug money has created a financial underworld where illicit funds fuel political rivalries. Under Duterte, POGOs with ties to various triads flourished, spurring corruption, money laundering and organized crime. Although POGOs are now officially banned, they have been driven underground, making them even more dangerous. Despite Marcos Jr's recent crackdown, the industry remains deeply entrenched, with estimated billions of dollars in untraceable cash still circulating in the economy. This dirty money is known to fund private militias, political bribes and even assassination plots, creating a combustible environment that could easily tilt toward a full-blown internal crisis. Drugs, meanwhile, remain a major destabilizer. Duterte's war on drugs targeted low-level dealers but failed to dismantle the high-level cartels that continue to operate largely unmolested. These networks now see the Marcos-Duterte feud as an opportunity to further embed themselves in the political landscape. If Mindanao—already home to militant groups—becomes a hotbed of political violence, these cartels could exploit the chaos to expand operations, posing a direct threat to ASEAN's regional security. While the Marcos-Duterte power struggle is rooted in the Philippines, its consequences could be felt across ASEAN. The most immediate risk is to Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. Historically, instability in Mindanao has led to increased cross-border crime ranging from human trafficking to smuggling and piracy. If the political feud escalates into armed conflict, a not-so-remote possibility, neighboring Malaysia could face a resurgence of kidnappings, Abu Sayyaf-linked terrorist activities and illegal arms flows. Indonesia is also vulnerable. The maritime border between Indonesia and the southern Philippines has long been difficult to police, and an increase in lawlessness—fueled by political violence in the Philippines—could reignite radical jihadist networks in Sulawesi and Kalimantan. For ASEAN as a whole, a politically unstable Philippines would weaken the region's collective security framework. If Manila becomes consumed by internal conflict, its ability to contribute to regional counterterrorism efforts, maritime security and South China Sea diplomacy will diminish. This will also give China greater room to maneuver, especially in disputed waters in the South China Sea. The Philippines' strategic position in the First Island Chain makes it an irresistible prize for both the US and China. Marcos Jr has clearly aligned himself with Washington, expanding American military access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This directly threatens China's ambitions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. But Duterte and his allies maintain strong ties to Beijing. During his presidency, Duterte secured Chinese investments and adopted a conciliatory stance toward China's maritime incursions. If Duterte's faction regains influence—whether through political maneuvering or force—China could push to regain its lost foothold. This creates a dangerous scenario where Washington and Beijing could seek to intensify their involvement in Philippine domestic affairs. For instance, US intelligence agencies could ramp up operations to protect Marcos Jr, while China could engage in disinformation campaigns, economic coercion or even support pro-Duterte factions. A politically fractured Philippines, with rival factions courting different great powers, risks becoming the next major battleground of US-China competition. The Marcos-Duterte feud is more than just a political rivalry; it is an existential crisis with the potential to unravel the Philippine state. With factions known to be arming themselves, illicit money fueling instability and great powers potentially seeking to exploit the situation, the country is on a dangerous precipice. For ASEAN, the risk is clear: a destabilized Philippines is a security nightmare, threatening Malaysia, Indonesia and the broader regional balance. For the US and China, the stakes are even higher—whichever holds sway in Manila controls a key strategic point in the Indo-Pacific. If history is any guide, unchecked blood feuds in the Philippines do not end peacefully. Unless both Marcos and Duterte de-escalate their conflict, which seems unlikely with Duterte languishing in a foreign jail cell, the Philippines faces a real risk of implosion—one that would reverberate far beyond its shores. Phar Kim Beng (PhD) is professor of ASEAN studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia
Voice of America
26-02-2025
- Voice of America
Philippine police rescue kidnapped teen, hunt ex-gambling site operators
A young kidnap victim clad in pajamas and missing a finger was rescued from the side of a busy Manila thoroughfare this week after his abductors ditched him during a police pursuit, Philippine authorities said Wednesday. The kidnappers, like their teenaged target, were Chinese nationals, said the interior department's Juanito Victor Remulla, and part of a "sophisticated" syndicate with ties to the now-banned offshore gambling sites known locally as POGOs. Notorious as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering and fraud, POGOs were banned by President Ferdinand Marcos last year, sending those who worked for them in search of new income streams. "We are definite that the syndicate behind the kidnapping were former POGO operators," Remulla told reporters, adding those involved had lost a lucrative living when the sites were shuttered. The kidnappers tried and failed to obtain a ransom -- at one point sending the parents a video of the victim's finger being severed -- before they were tracked down on Tuesday and pursued by police who homed in on their cellphone signal. "The choice was pursuing the vehicle or securing the child. Obviously, the [police] prioritized the child," Remulla said. A manhunt remains underway. The boy's driver, who had picked him up outside an exclusive private school days earlier, was found murdered inside another vehicle in Bulacan province north of Manila. "These [cases] arose in January after all POGOs were closed; they got into kidnapping," Remulla said, without providing statistics. AFP is aware of at least two other kidnapping cases involving Chinese nationals living in the Philippines this year. While describing the incident as "Chinese against Chinese" crime, Remulla said disaffected former Filipino police or soldiers were likely used as foot soldiers in some cases. Gilberto Cruz, chief of the Philippines' anti-organized crime commission, told AFP that government figures showed there were still about 11,000 Chinese nationals in the country after the gambling sites they worked for were shuttered. "Some have turned to other crimes, but we can't provide numbers as of now," he said, before adding that some had likely ventured into "kidnapping operations." At a press conference on Wednesday, the immigration department said about 300 foreign nationals linked to POGOs were being held at a detention facility built for 100 while awaiting deportation. In a separate statement, the department said 98 Chinese nationals had been repatriated to China aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight on Tuesday night. The Chinese embassy said the joint repatriation marked "another step in the law enforcing cooperation of the two countries after the ban on POGOs."
Khaleej Times
26-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
Philippine police rescue kidnapped teen, hunt ex-gambling site operators
A young kidnap victim clad in pajamas and missing a finger was rescued from the side of a busy Manila thoroughfare this week after his abductors ditched him during a police pursuit, Philippine authorities said on Wednesday. The kidnappers, like their teenaged target, were Chinese nationals, said the interior department's Juanito Victor Remulla, part of a "sophisticated" syndicate with ties to the now-banned offshore gambling sites known locally as POGOs. Notorious as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering and fraud, POGOs were banned by President Ferdinand Marcos last year, sending those who worked for them in search of new income streams. "We are definite that the syndicate behind the kidnapping were former POGO operators," Remulla told reporters, adding those involved had lost a lucrative living when the sites were shuttered. The kidnappers tried and failed to obtain a ransom — at one point sending the parents a video of the victim's finger being severed — before they were tracked down on Tuesday and pursued by police who homed in on their cellphone signal. "The choice was pursuing the vehicle or securing the child. Obviously, the (police) prioritised the child," Remulla said. A manhunt remains underway. The boy's driver, who had picked him up outside an exclusive private school days earlier, was found murdered inside another vehicle in Bulacan province north of Manila. "These (cases) arose in January after all POGOs were closed, they got into kidnapping," Remulla said, without providing statistics. AFP is aware of at least two other kidnapping cases involving Chinese nationals living in the Philippines this year. While describing the incident as "Chinese against Chinese" crime, Remulla said disaffected former Filipino police or soldiers were likely used as footsoldiers in some cases. Gilberto Cruz, chief of the Philippines' anti-organised crime commission, told AFP that government figures showed there were still about 11,000 Chinese nationals in the country after the gambling sites they worked for were shuttered. "Some have turned to other crimes, but we can't provide numbers as of now," he said, before adding that some had likely ventured into "kidnapping operations". At a press conference on Wednesday, the immigration department said about 300 foreign nationals linked to POGOs were being held at a detention facility built for 100 while awaiting deportation. In a separate statement, the department said 98 Chinese nationals had been repatriated to China aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight on Tuesday night. The Chinese embassy said the joint repatriation marked "another step in the law enforcing cooperation of the two countries after the ban on POGOs".
Khaleej Times
22-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Philippines' removal from money laundering 'grey list' will provide relief to OFWs
The Philippines on Saturday praised its removal from a global financial "grey list" of countries under increased monitoring for money laundering and terrorism financing, a status that can hamper global financial transactions. The Southeast Asia nation had been on the Financial Action Task Force list, which identifies countries "working with it to correct deficiencies in their financial systems", since 2021. "The (Financial Action Task Force) removed the Philippines from its increased monitoring following a successful on-site visit and updated its statements on 'high-risk and other monitored jurisdictions'," the Paris-based group said after a Friday vote at its annual plenary. The FATF, an international organisation that coordinates global efforts to crack down on money laundering and terrorism financing, includes representatives from nearly 40 countries including the United States, China and South Africa. In a statement on Saturday, the Anti-Money Laundering Council in Manila hailed the FATF decision as a "milestone" that would bring a litany of benefits. "The Philippines' exit from the FATF greylist is expected to facilitate faster and lower-cost cross-border transactions, reduce compliance barriers, and enhance financial transparency," it said. Relief for overseas Filipinos The move would also provide relief for more than two million Filipinos who work overseas and send remittances home each year, the council added. It singled out President Ferdinand Marcos' 2023 signing of an executive order targeting money laundering and "counter-terrorism financing" as having played a key role in the decision. Marcos last year also banned offshore gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, that were said to be used as fronts by organised crime groups for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and even murder. But rights groups have accused the government of filing "baseless" charges against civil society groups to improve its standing with the FATF. "This move by FATF, we are afraid, will be taken as a stamp of approval by the government and will thus very likely embolden them to continue, even intensify, the harassment," Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde told AFP on Saturday. "While we recognise the need to stamp out money laundering — and FATF did acknowledge the supposed improvements the Philippine government did in this regard -- there clearly is a need for the government to adhere to international human rights standards as it pursues this campaign.'
