Senator Gatchalian Calls for Inquiry into Pasay Internet Gaming Licensee Raid

PASAY CITY – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has initiated a resolution for the Senate to conduct an investigation into Smart Web Technology Corporation, a licensed Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), following a raid that indicated potential criminal activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, which Gatchalian communicated to the press via Viber, the raid highlights the operation of criminal syndicates in the Philippines. Gatchalian expressed concern about human trafficking victims and a discovered torture chamber, suggesting that these syndicates have compromised law enforcement. He anticipates the Senate committee will address the resolution within the week. SRN 853 highlights Smart Web’s past operations under different names, both of which were licensed by PAGCOR. With PAGCOR’s revised Internet Gaming Licensing Regulations effective since July 12, existing POGO licensees must reapply to comply. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros acknowledged the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) decision to relieve Pasay City police officers post-raid. She commended the various agencies involved in the operation and the rescue of trafficking victims. The Senate Committee on Women plans an ocular inspection of the site to grasp the issue’s extent. Hontiveros also pointed to the need for investigations into similar incidents nationwide.