Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros insists on investigating the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), despite President Marcos's recent order to completely ban these operations.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines supports the president's decision, praising the ban.
Hontiveros recently confirmed that the Senate hearing took place on July 29, and even though Tarlac City Mayor Alice Guo was absent, she is crucial to the ongoing POGO scandal.
Hontiveros asserts, "It's not over yet." She is the chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. She emphasizes that the purpose of the investigation is to hold accountable those involved in illegal POGO activities, including money laundering, fraud, human trafficking, and kidnapping.
Regarding Mayor Guo's absence at the hearing, Hontiveros revealed that her committee is not only scrutinizing Guo but also the entire POGO industry. Despite the Senate President Francis Escudero issuing an arrest warrant, joint operatives of the Senate security and the Philippine National Police have still been unable to locate Ms. Guo or her family.
Those who fail to appear will be charged with contempt of court. Ms. Guo, her parents, and her three siblings are under investigation for their involvement in the POGO business in Tarlac Province's Banban and Porac.
Ms. Guo's accountant, Nancy Gamo, remains detained by the Senate and will attend the resumed hearing.
Despite the ban on POGO operations, Hontiveros emphasizes that the Senate's duties include ensuring the enforcement of the ban, holding the perpetrators accountable, seeking justice for the victims, and providing a fair transition for the displaced Filipino POGO workers.
Hontiveros added, "We also need to address our regulatory deficiencies." She noted that multiple government agencies have been compromised by POGO activities.
The Chinese Embassy stated that the ban aligns with the interests of the people of both China and the Philippines, highlighting that Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling, including offshore gaming companies, as these are associated with serious crimes and significant harm.
The embassy declared, "The Chinese government is committed to combating Chinese citizens involved in overseas gambling businesses, including POGO." It emphasized the willingness to continue strengthening law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of both nations.
