Porac Mayor Jaime Capil has been cleared of direct involvement in the illegal operations of Lucky South 99, according to findings from the House Committee on Games and Amusements (Quadcom). Committee chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers confirmed that Capil had no active role in the offshore gaming hub’s unauthorized activities.
However, Barbers emphasized that the clearance does not shield Capil from further scrutiny. “The clearance issued to Mayor Capil is without prejudice to the investigations that other government agencies may further conduct, and the cases that may be filed against him should the evidence warrant,” he said in a statement.
Quadcom’s investigation found that Capil’s office had only issued a business permit to Lucky South 99 while it was still licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). When the gaming license was revoked, no additional permits were granted by the local government, suggesting no direct involvement in the entity’s continued operations.
Despite this, Capil previously faced suspension from the Ombudsman due to allegations of his ties to the illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator). The Quadcom decision does not affect the Ombudsman’s independent investigation, which could still yield separate findings.
Barbers clarified that Quadcom’s scope was limited to the issuance of local permits and did not extend to law enforcement actions or possible violations outside its jurisdiction. Other government agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), may continue their probes.
The Lucky South 99 controversy has been at the center of a broader crackdown on illegal POGOs, which authorities claim have been linked to cyber fraud, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. The shutdown of the Porac-based gaming hub was part of this nationwide effort.
Capil, for his part, has maintained that his office acted within legal bounds. His camp welcomed the Quadcom findings, calling it proof that he was not complicit in any illegal gaming operations. “We have always upheld the law and will continue to cooperate with authorities in any legal proceedings,” a representative from his office said.
With the Ombudsman’s investigation still ongoing, Capil’s legal troubles may not be over. While he has been cleared by one legislative body, future cases or administrative actions could still arise depending on additional evidence uncovered by other agencies.