Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has expressed her support for the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) efforts to cancel birth certificates that were fraudulently acquired by foreigners. Hontiveros stressed the importance of preventing foreign nationals from exploiting the country’s systems, particularly as the new year begins. She stated, ‘As we enter the new year, it should be the government’s resolution to ensure that no foreigner exploits our institutions.’ Hontiveros also raised concerns about the potential ongoing misuse of Philippine birth certificates by foreigners for illegal activities, urging swift action from authorities to identify and prosecute those involved. She highlighted the need to be alert to attempts by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to gain Filipino citizenship fraudulently. Additionally, Hontiveros urged the OSG to reclaim properties illegally obtained by POGOs, suggesting these assets be used to compensate victims of human trafficking as per the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act. She also advocated for the passage of the Anti-POGO Act in the current year. Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva pushed for the approval of a bill that would allow the forfeiture of all POGO-related properties following the cessation of their operations under Executive Order 74 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Villanueva’s proposed Senate Bill 2868 aims to ban and declare illegal offshore gaming operations, with provisions for the forfeiture and destruction of related assets. He emphasized the need for proactive measures beyond those already identified, in collaboration with other agencies. Villanueva also supported the OSG’s actions against fraudulent birth certificates, citing the case of Alice Guo as an example of the widespread issue of foreigners illegally obtaining Philippine citizenship and identification.
Hontiveros Supports OSG’s Initiative to Cancel Fraudulent Birth Certificates
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