Senators urge Pagcor to name ex-official behind Pogos

MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Sunday urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to name the former high-ranking government official allegedly involved in expediting the issuance of licenses to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).

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

STONE’S THROW AWAY The compound of real estate firm Baofu, which hosts a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub allegedly involved in fraud, cybercrime and other illegal activities, is just a stone’s throw away from the town hall of Bamban in Tarlac province. —PAULO GEE SANTOS/CONTRIBUTOR

Senators made the call after Pagcor on Saturday revealed that a former government official was involved in the illicit activity.

“Pagcor should name the official! If not, [the] committee chaired and headed by [Senators Risa] Hontiveros and [Sherwin] Gatchalian should unmask this official so that not all former high-ranking cabinet officials will be looked upon with suspicion and find out if he/she violated any laws,” Senate President Francis Escudero said in a text message to reporters.

“To be fair to all former cabinet members, Pagcor should reveal the identity of this person, also so [that] he or she can defend self,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said.

For former Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Pagcor’s revelation only proved that Pogos should be banned in the country.

“They have infiltrated not only the business and gaming industries but also our government, allegedly with local and even high-ranking officials serving as their protectors. Our duty as public servants is not to protect these illegal activities, but to put our people’s welfare as our main priority,” he added.

“We are not in showbiz that’s why there’s no need to put up a blind item. The people need to know the truth and we need to make them accountable for pushing us into a pit of chaos,” he pointed out.

Several senators have been urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ban Pogos in the Philippines, pointing out that these only “made the country a fertile ground for various crimes.”

READ: Senate panel recommends Pogo ban