THE Supreme Court (SC) has adopted rules allowing the government to seek the civil forfeiture of properties and other assets linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), independently of criminal proceedings. Under the rules, civil forfeiture is a judicial proceeding against the property and is independent of any criminal case. Respondents have a nonextendible 20 calendar days to file a verified comment or opposition. If one is filed, pre-trial must be set within 15 calendar days, while each party is given 30 calendar days to present evidence. Such release excludes POGO gaming equipment and paraphernalia, which must be destroyed by the seizing authority.