A LAWMAKER SEEKS INQUIRY TO UNMUSK POGO PROTECTORS AND LOBBYISTS

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today urged the House of Representatives to inquire into the alleged lobbying and protection for illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) by former and current government officials.

Rep Rodriguez called on the House Committee on Games and Amusements and the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to conduct a joint inquiry on this matter.

He was reacting to the revelation of Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco that a former Cabinet member had lobbied for the grant of franchises to illegal POGOs the authorities have recently raided in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga. 

However, Hairman Tengco said the he said he is ready to reveal the roles of other controversial individuals behind these criminal Pogo enterprises,” Tengco said.

He also referred to the role of “former officials and conduits” in granting licenses to POGO applicants with “doubtful backgrounds.”

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Rodriguez said his proposed House inquiry would provide Tengco the “proper forum” to make his revelations and support them with evidence.

“It is not enough that Pagcor officials name names. They should provide proof leading to criminal prosecution,” he said.

He said if the alleged protectors and lobbyists include national and local politicians, they should be named as well.

He added that Pagcor officials should also tell Congress and the public if they had given in to the lobbying made by the so-far unnamed past and current government officials.

“If they caved in to pressure, they are equally guilty and accountable,” he stressed.

The Mindanao lawmaker reiterated his proposal for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and/or Pagcor to now ban offshore gaming operations in the country.

“The government does not need this form of gambling as a revenue source. They breed criminal activities like human trafficking, kidnapping, protection, and extortion. The social cost outweighs the financial benefit,” he said. 

Last May, House committee games and amusement chaired by Cavite Rep. Antonio Ferrer endorsed Rodriguez’s resolution and a bill authored by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, of which Rodriguez is a co-author, both of which seek to ban POGOs.