Former chief of the Philippine National Police, Benjamin Acorda, denies any association with figures from online gambling companies such as Guo Ailis and Yang Tony, admitting that he felt "hurt" by the implications of photos shown at a Senate panel hearing.
In a phone interview, he stated: "I can straightforwardly tell anyone that Guo Ailis is fake. You have never met. The same goes for Indians." Acorda added that it was his order that led to the discovery of illegal online gambling operations in Banban.
Senator Risa Hontiveros presented a photo of Acorda with Yang, Guo's brother Wesley, and the mayor of Suar City, Don Karuge, all linked to illegal gambling operations.
The senator questioned why senior government officials would associate with a suspected fugitive, referring to Yang.
However, Acorda stated that he was unaware of Yang's criminal background when the photo was taken in "2010".
He expressed deep sadness over the Senate panel displaying these photos.
"As I said, I did it, no matter what, I did it, because for 37 years, I have been trying to keep my record clean, but just for one or more photos, and so many implications, I didn't know. But that's the fact," he said.
Acorda served as the chief of the Philippine National Police from April 2023 to March 2024.
Hontiveros stated that Acorda will have the opportunity to explain himself at the next committee hearing.
