A key vulnerability found in the investigation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) is that it is easy to obtain forged birth certificates through delayed registration.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian lamented that this loophole allows foreigners to acquire Philippine citizenship without undergoing naturalization, enabling them to purchase property and establish businesses in the country.
"This vulnerability allows foreigners to instantly become Filipinos without undergoing naturalization, thus enabling them to purchase property and even start businesses," Gatchalian stated in a press release.
"Immediate action should be taken to trace and annul these forged birth certificates, so these criminals no longer have a basis to stay in the country," he added.
Following the government's ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) earlier announced plans to cancel all birth certificates obtained by foreigners through fraudulent means.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed in a statement that the OSG will focus on identifying and nullifying the forged birth certificates obtained by foreigners.
Furthermore, the OSG also aims to confiscate illegally acquired real estate and other assets of foreigners.
