PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN))

The Land Registration Authority (LRA) must initiate forfeiture proceedings on the real estate assets held by the family of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and all Chinese Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) corporations. 

Thus, said House Deputy Majority Leader Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Representative Margarita "Migs" Nograles, a lawyer. 

Nograles says the LRA can do so with the issuance of an adverse claim. She emphasized that these landholdings are in direct violation of the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits non-Filipinos from owning land in the country. 

She noted that foreign entities and individuals, including those involved in POGO operations, have been exploiting legal loopholes to acquire property, undermining 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 stated. 

An adverse claim on these properties would prevent further transactions and secure these 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 said. 

Nograles also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies to investigate and crack down on illegal land acquisitions by undesirable aliens and criminal organizations. 

"The LRA, along with other government agencies, must work hand in hand to prevent criminal elements from illegally acquiring Philippine land," added the ranking congresswoman. 

"The Constitution was designed to protect our country’s resources and ensure that Filipinos benefit from them. Allowing foreign entities, particularly those connected to industries like POGOs, to control land here undermines our reputation among the community of nations,” she said. 

Nograles expressed deep concern over the potential links between illegal land acquisitions and other forms of criminal activity, particularly in sectors like POGO operations, which have been associated with illicit activities such as human trafficking and money laundering. 

"We cannot ignore the fact that POGOs have been tied to criminal activities that pose a serious threat to our national security. By taking swift action against illegal land ownership, we not only uphold the Constitution but also protect the Philippines from further risks associated with these operations," she concluded.