Hontiveros hoping Pagcor chief to reveal name of ex-official behind Pogo

Sen. Risa Hontiveros INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros hoped that Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco will reveal the name of the former “high-ranking” official who allegedly moved for the issuance of gaming licenses to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo).

According to Hontiveros in a statement on Saturday, she will be calling for a hearing to probe the Pogos.

READ: Pagcor chair: Ex-ranking exec wanted speedy issuance of Pogo licenses

“Umaasa ako na si Chair Tengco mismo ang dadating sa susunod na pagdinig at hindi na ang mga kinatawan niya lang,” Hontiveros said.

(I am expecting that Chair Tengco himself will arrive at the next hearing and not his representatives.)

Tengco said in a statement released by the Pagcor on Saturday that he will “reveal in the proper forum” the identity of the alleged official.

READ: Raided Pogo has ‘ihaw-ihaw,’ veggie vendors as ‘incorporators’

“Whoever that ex-Cabinet official turns out to be, the fact remains: POGOs are being used as a legal cover for scam hubs,” Hontiveros added.

A Senate investigation is also ongoing to investigate the alleged crimes being done inside the Pogos.