Porac Mayor Jaime Capil Surrenders Amid Graft Charges Linked to Illegal POGO Operations

Mayor Jaime Capil of Porac, Pampanga, voluntarily turned himself in on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, following graft accusations tied to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) established within his jurisdiction. He was accompanied by his legal counsel as he appeared before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court and subsequently posted bail amounting to ₱630,000.

In a statement to reporters, Capil affirmed his compliance with the legal process, saying, "As I have faced every challenge, I do not hide from the law. I am grateful for the love and support from my family, friends, and especially the unwavering understanding of my constituents. I remain open and committed to serving the people of Porac."

The court has set the arraignment and pre-trial hearing for December 11. Capil faces seven graft charges, primarily relating to his alleged failure to regulate the operations of Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO establishment that was raided in Porac in June 2024.

During the raid, authorities apprehended at least 186 foreign and Filipino workers at the POGO site, including four individuals identified as kidnap victims. Disturbingly, two victims exhibited signs of physical abuse, still handcuffed with visible bruises and marks of torture when found.

Investigations revealed that Capil had approved the 2019 Mayor’s permit and a 2019 municipal resolution that served as a notice of no objection for Lucky South 99’s license application, permit, and franchise.

In April 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Capil from his mayoral position for gross neglect of duty. Nonetheless, he regained public trust and was re-elected in the May 2025 national and local elections.