The Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 265 has issued a warrant of arrest against Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil of Porac, Pampanga for seven counts of graft in connection with the operation of an online scam hub, Lucky South 99, in the town.

Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub, was initially presented as a legally operating online gambling facility but was raided by authorities in July last year for alleged human trafficking and other illegal activities. The compound remained untouched until President Marcos ordered the closure of POGO hubs in July 2024.

The warrant of arrest, dated 28 November, was signed by RTC Branch 265 Acting Presiding Judge Josephine Advento and set bail at P90,000 for Capil’s temporary liberty on seven counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The charges stem from an October 2024 complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police over Capil’s alleged involvement in the Porac-based POGO known as Lucky South 99.

The Pasig court is also seeking its representative, Cassandra Ong, over her alleged role in the operations.

On 3 April, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Capil for gross negligence for allegedly failing to stop POGO activities in his area.

The arrest warrant stated that Capil is charged with violating Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Section 3(e) penalizes acts causing “undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference … through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.”

Meanwhile, Section 3(j) punishes “knowingly approving or granting any license, permit, privilege, or benefit” to a person not legally entitled to it — including approvals given to a representative or “dummy” acting for an unqualified individual.