Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil has been dismissed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman for gross neglect of duty in connection with the illegal operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99.
The ruling also imposes severe penalties: cancellation of eligibility for government positions, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and a lifetime ban from public service.
In its April 3 decision, the Ombudsman said that if Capil’s dismissal cannot be enforced due to separation from office, he must pay a fine equivalent to one year’s salary, which can be deducted from any government benefits or receivables.
Capil was found guilty of allowing Lucky South 99 to operate despite warnings, including reports of illegal activity and a formal recommendation against permit renewal from the joint inspection team he created. He repeatedly issued business permits to the firm from 2021 to 2023, despite lacking key documents such as a Letter of No Objection from the municipal council and proper SEC registration.
The Ombudsman emphasized that a PAGCOR license doesn’t override the authority of local government units (LGUs) to regulate business operations within their territory.
The graft case was originally filed in October 2024 by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. Other respondents—including former and current Porac officials—were cleared.
In a statement, Capil confirmed receipt of the decision and said he was saddened but committed to seeking justice. “We are prepared to face this and fight for what is right,” he said.
Despite the ruling, Capil declared that he will push forward with his reelection bid and called on his supporters to stand by him in the upcoming elections.