By Jet D. Antolin
THE members of the Lower House of Congress will investigate the role and benefits of ex-Cabinet official in securing the franchise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) that were raided by authorities in Tarlac and Pampanga.
This was confirmed by House committee on dangerous drugs chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, in relation to the revelation made by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chair Alejandro Tengco that former Cabinet official was sponsoring Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, and Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac to obtain licenses.
The two mentioned POGOs were raided by authorities led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) where evidence of crimes within their compounds was found.
“What is your role there, what have you seen there that you’re strongly lobbying for them,” said Barbers, who is one of those who will investigate once the former Cabinet official is named and summoned by the House.
The lawmaker stated that it is important to also know the extent and influence of POGOs in the Philippines because even former government officials were instructed by them to facilitate their licenses.
