Lucky South eyeing charges vs PAOCC

MANILA, Philippines — Lucky South 99 Corp. is eyeing filing criminal cases against the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) as it is pushing back against allegations that it is operating as an illegal offshore gaming hub.

The internet gaming licensee’s lawyer, Jovito Barte, said yesterday the owners of the company are contemplating filing criminal complaints against the PAOCC for a raid which the agency led on its compound in Porac, Pampanga.

“Lucky South 99 is protesting the abuse of authority,” Barte said in a phone interview.

Sought for comment, PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said they will answer appropriately once Lucky South 99 files a complaint against them. However, he maintained the raid was carried out legally.

Barte maintained the company is willing to work with the government in the probe on the alleged illegal activities within the firm’s compound in Porac.

Barte said it is irresponsible for PAOCC officials to conclude that Lucky South 99 is operating illegally in the country, stressing it has secured a probational license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. but Pagcor revoked it on May 22.

While the company had no license anymore, Barte said it is misleading for the PAOCC to say it was operating illegally as it had already stopped operations.

Barte also belied the PAOCC’s claim that Mayor Guo is connected with the Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac.

He also questioned how the PAOCC seized documents from the compound when it implemented a search warrant.