MANILA (UPDATE) — An estimated $633 million (P32 billion) in alleged dirty money was flown into the country in the last 6 months, a Senate investigation showed Thursday, raising fears the amount was used for illegal activities connected to the Philippine offshore gaming industry.

Sen. Richard Gordon cited at least 4 alleged syndicates, including the Rodriguez family, whose multimillion-dollar transactions were presented during the hearing.

A certain Elizabeth Rodriguez, for instance, brought in a total of $42 million from 58 transactions, said the senator, adding the country’s “defenses are down.”

Gordon alleged the Rodriguez family brought in a total of $283 million from July 2019 to March 2020.

“Nakakatakot ang ginagawa dito at lumalabas na talagang may sindikato,” he said.

(What's happening here is scary, and it appears there really is a syndicate.)

Gordon also showed a video prepared by residents in the Manila suburb of Paranaque City, showing how the influx of Chinese nationals was taking its toll on their village.

The residents complained of poor sanitation, a firing range, and 100 to 200 Chinese allegedly staying in one house. One of them also cited power outages because of the increase in load limit.

“It’s not safe anymore. Yun ang pinaka-worry namin (That's what we are most worried about),” one of them said in the video.

The Philippine central bank is currently investigating at least 2 money service businesses due to irregularities based on the recommendation of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said.