Lawmakers seek probe into Philippines-linked Epstein operations

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February 12, 2026 | 8:07pm

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers filed separate resolutions seeking a congressional probe into alleged Philippines-based operations that may have aided convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The move comes after the U.S. Department of Justice released about 20,000 pages of documents related to Epstein.

While no Filipino personalities have been named in connection with the files, lawmakers cited reports that a team based in the Philippines allegedly helped scrub Epstein's online image.

Sen. Loren Legarda filed Senate Resolution No. 300 urging the Senate to investigate whether Filipino individuals or entities were involved .

"Our children must never be exposed to exploitation networks, whether here or abroad. The Epstein files reveal disturbing global operations, and we have a duty to ensure that the Philippines is not used as a platform for concealment or abuse," Legarda said.

"These laws are clear: trafficking, child pornography, and concealment of exploitation are crimes. If Filipino individuals or entities were involved in Epstein's digital cover-up operations, we must investigate thoroughly and hold accountable those who undermine our protections," she added.

The resolution directs agencies including the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to assess and report to the Senate whether further investigation is warranted.

House resolution filed

Members of the Makabayan bloc also filed House Resolution 762, directing the Committee on Public Information, as well as the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, to probe the said operations. 

"The potential use of Filipino employees and digital infrastructures that could mask sexual exploitation of women and children underscores the need for legislative scrutiny and policy review to ensure that no elements within the Philippines are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, or trafficking in persons, including in online contexts," the House resolution stated.

"There is a need to investigate this to determine the extent of Epstein's network within the Philippines, to identify any local individuals or entities that may have aided or benefited from his operations, and to assess vulnerabilities that allowed the Philippines to be used as an operational hub for the clean-up of the name of an international sex offender," it added.

Both resolutions call for fact-finding inquiries and do not allege that specific Filipino individuals have been formally charged.