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Advocates Philippines
Senator Risa Hontiveros Raises Alarm Over Convicted Official's Alleged Links To POGO Scams
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Risa Hontiveros voiced deep concerns over the purported ties between convicted former Technology and Resource Center Director General Dennis Cunanan and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) recently raided in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga.
Documents presented by the senator revealed Cunanan's role as an "authorized representative" for Hong Sheng POGO in Bamban and Lucky South POGO in Porac. Cunanan, previously implicated in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, is currently serving a 26-year prison sentence for his involvement.
"Cunanan figured in one of the largest corruption scandals our country has ever seen. It appears that what he did with the PDAF, he may be applying to these POGOs as well. This also demonstrates a clear connection between the POGOs in Bamban and Porac. It seems these scammers have united," remarked Senator Hontiveros.
"We will summon Mr. Cunanan to our next hearing to clarify his role in these operations. Where there are POGOs, there appears to be a link to scams. As I've said before, all POGOs are bad. There is no 'good' POGO. It appears that POGOs are intentionally targeting former and current officials they can easily compromise," the senator emphasized.
Senator Hontiveros, leading the investigation into Bamban Mayor Alice Guo's alleged involvement in POGO-related scams, highlighted the strategy of influencing public officials as part of POGOs' modus operandi in the Philippines.
"POGOs persist in our country because it seems they have already paid off certain officials. They know that corruption is a significant vulnerability in the Philippines, and they are exploiting it," she added.
"I urge my fellow public servants to support the growing movement to ban POGOs immediately. We must show these POGOs that our nation cannot be bought. Let's eradicate corruption and expel POGOs from our midst," Senator Hontiveros concluded emphatically.
Documents presented by the senator revealed Cunanan's role as an "authorized representative" for Hong Sheng POGO in Bamban and Lucky South POGO in Porac. Cunanan, previously implicated in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, is currently serving a 26-year prison sentence for his involvement.
"Cunanan figured in one of the largest corruption scandals our country has ever seen. It appears that what he did with the PDAF, he may be applying to these POGOs as well. This also demonstrates a clear connection between the POGOs in Bamban and Porac. It seems these scammers have united," remarked Senator Hontiveros.
"We will summon Mr. Cunanan to our next hearing to clarify his role in these operations. Where there are POGOs, there appears to be a link to scams. As I've said before, all POGOs are bad. There is no 'good' POGO. It appears that POGOs are intentionally targeting former and current officials they can easily compromise," the senator emphasized.
Senator Hontiveros, leading the investigation into Bamban Mayor Alice Guo's alleged involvement in POGO-related scams, highlighted the strategy of influencing public officials as part of POGOs' modus operandi in the Philippines.
"POGOs persist in our country because it seems they have already paid off certain officials. They know that corruption is a significant vulnerability in the Philippines, and they are exploiting it," she added.
"I urge my fellow public servants to support the growing movement to ban POGOs immediately. We must show these POGOs that our nation cannot be bought. Let's eradicate corruption and expel POGOs from our midst," Senator Hontiveros concluded emphatically.
Jun 18, 2024
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