MANILA, Philippines — A massive cloud of suspicion now hovers over the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) after revelations that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) cannot release travel records of its chairman, Felix Reyes, without a written and detailed consent—despite his alleged involvement in a spiraling case-fixing controversy connected to gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

The already high-profile mystery surrounding the disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) has taken a dramatic turn as explosive allegations point to a web of corruption allegedly involving judges, prosecutors, and PCSO Chairman Reyes himself.

Whistleblower Points Finger at Reyes — And He Fires Back

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a self-styled whistleblower tied to the sabungero case, claims Reyes has been manipulating legal outcomes to protect Atong Ang. The accusations suggest a sinister alliance involving collusion with prosecutors and members of the judiciary. The allegations imply not only case rigging but also a broader system of judicial compromise.

Reyes, a former Marikina judge and once president of the Philippine Judges Association, has categorically denied these charges. In a bold statement, he dared Patidongan to back up his claims with hard proof, telling him to “shut up” if he had none.

To clear his name, Reyes publicly stated that he’s open to releasing his international travel history. “I would also like to authorize the Bureau of Immigration to disclose my travels abroad from the time I retired from the judiciary on October 01, 2021, up to present to dispel any notion of travels abroad with prosecutors and judges,” he said on July 9.

But there’s a catch.

BI Blocks Release of Travel Data — Here’s Why That Matters

Despite Reyes’ announcement, the Bureau of Immigration said it cannot release his travel records to the public. BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval clarified that the PCSO chief’s general statement isn’t legally valid consent under the Philippines’ data privacy laws.

“Our travel records are protected. His public statement is too broad and lacks the required specificity,” Sandoval said in an interview with True FM. She emphasized that the consent must be written, informed, and explicit.

However, the BI did reveal that it can share the information with official investigative bodies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The bureau also plans to reach out to Reyes for a more formal and specific declaration of consent.

Deepening Investigation, More Twists Unfold

While the PCSO chief insists he’s “ready and willing” to cooperate, the damage may already be mounting. The credibility of both the judiciary and prosecutorial systems is now under scrutiny, as the country watches closely to see if any names—judges, prosecutors, or public officials—will surface in the ongoing investigation.

Adding to the urgency, the DOJ has authorized a search operation in Talisay, Batangas, near Taal Lake—one of the suspected dumping sites of the missing sabungeros. The Philippine Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies have already been mobilized.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has launched its own internal probe into the alleged fixer network within the judiciary. The outcome could be devastating if connections between legal authorities and illegal gambling operators are confirmed.

Atong Ang’s Controversial Legacy Resurfaces

This isn’t the first time Ang has been entangled in allegations involving the PCSO. Back in 2017, a Senate inquiry uncovered claims that Ang offered a whopping ₱200 million per month to take over small-town lottery operations.

Even more eyebrow-raising: In 2018, then-President Rodrigo Duterte himself admitted he tapped Ang—who had no official PCSO post—to help eliminate illegal activities within the agency.

So why is everyone asking for Reyes’ travel records? What do they expect to find? And why has a simple document release become a legal maze?

The answers could crack open the lid on one of the Philippines’ most shocking conspiracies—one that mixes power, gambling, and possibly murder.

Stay tuned. The truth behind the missing sabungeros may be just one signed document away.