Reelected Philippine Mayor disqualified over POGO link???
The Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has disqualified reelected Porac Mayor Jaime Jing Capil following his involvement in an offshore gaming operation. The Comelec ruling, released on Wednesday, upheld a decision by the Ombudsman issued last April that found Capil guilty of gross neglect of duty. The poll body directed the Porac Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) to reconvene on 3 June to implement the decision.
Capil, who received 39,939 votes in the 2025 midterm polls, ran despite the Ombudsmans perpetual disqualification order, which bars him from holding any government position. The order stemmed from his alleged failure to act against illegal activities linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) based in Porac, Pampanga.
Following the disqualification, the Comelec instructed the MBOC to consider all votes cast for Capil as stray and to proclaim the candidate with the highest number of valid votes. That candidate is Michael Tapang, a former provincial board member and the complainant in the disqualification case, who obtained 23,063 votes.
POGO link cited in graft charges
Capils disqualification followed the Ombudsmans ruling that held him liable for gross neglect of duty. The case was connected to his alleged inaction in the operations of Lucky South 99, which was raided in June 2024 after reports of human trafficking, torture, financial scams, and prostitution. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DOLG), along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), filed the administrative case that led to Capils dismissal from service.
Philippine investigators cited Capils involvement in a 2019 meeting with an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., the entity that leased land to Lucky South 99, and his role in facilitating the companys request for a municipal endorsement. A council session held unusually quickly granted a letter of no objection, which paved the way for Lucky Souths business operations.
The Ombudsman also highlighted Capils inaction on official reports recommending the denial of the POGOs business permit renewal in 2020, as well as the approval of its permit in 2023, well beyond the expiration of its licence.
Legal challenge expected
Speaking to local media, Capil said he will?file a motion for reconsideration with the . He stated that the Ombudsmans case, which forms the basis of the Comelec case, is not yet final, so?the poll body cannot disqualify him on this basis. He insisted that he is presumed innocent and that his votes cannot be considered stray.???
Despite the disqualification, Capils supporters have taken to social media, calling for public backing and criticising Comelecs decision. Some posted stickers and messages asserting their support for Capil, expressing that the electoral majority should be respected.
Last year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned all offshore gaming operations in the country. Crackdown on illegal operators is ongoing.
