Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed strong support for the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) initiative to revoke fraudulent birth certificates issued to foreign nationals.
This initiative addresses concerns over the misuse of the late registration system, which has enabled foreign nationals to unlawfully acquire Philippine citizenship.
“I am confident that there are still foreign nationals who are improperly utilizing Philippine birth certificates, and I urge that they be accurately identified and held accountable under the law. We must remain vigilant against the efforts of POGO criminals seeking to acquire Filipino citizenship through any means necessary,” the senator said in her statement.
Recent investigations revealed that over 1,600 birth certificates were blocked by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) due to identification as fraudulent.
Among those implicated is former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who reportedly used fake documentation to claim Filipino identity.
Hontiveros emphasized the need for accountability among public officials who may have facilitated these fraudulent activities.
“The OSG should also prioritize the seizure of assets that have been illegally acquired by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). These properties should subsequently be allocated as reparations for survivors of human trafficking, as stipulated in the Anti-Financial Account and Scamming Act,” she reminded.
The government has prioritized legislation aimed at expediting the cancellation of fraudulent birth certificates, with House Bill No. 11117 currently under consideration.
Hontiveros believes that comprehensive laws are essential to prevent further exploitation of the system and protect national interests.
“I hope that 2025 will be the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act. We need comprehensive legislation to ensure that no POGO will scam, harm, or deceive countless individuals,” she stressed.
