Amid POGO probe threats, police in the Philippines increases security as Senate underscores legislative independence.
Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has sparked further controversy by suggesting that Philippine Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian should prioritize national issues over her case. Senate President Francis Escudero responded, asserting that Guo has no authority to dictate Senate priorities, especially when under investigation for involvement in illegal Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) activities.
Escudero emphasized that while Guo has the right to defend herself, the Senate must also fulfill its duty to the public by conducting investigations. Guo, facing a Senate arrest warrant, criticized the senators for focusing on her instead of pressing issues like national security and poverty. Escudero countered, highlighting the Senate’s obligation to address matters affecting the public and noting that Guo cannot choose which forums to attend.
The Senate inquiry into illegal POGOs has linked Guo to operations in Tarlac, where a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) uncovered violations of human trafficking laws. Escudero reiterated that the Senate warrant ensures Guo’s participation in future inquiries, not her punishment. He noted the legal principle that evading inquiries could indicate guilt.
Simultaneously, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured Senator Gatchalian of protection following death threats linked to his involvement in the POGO investigation. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the Anti-Cybercrime Group is collaborating with Gatchalian to trace the threats’ origins. This situation underscores the risks faced by public officials tackling illegal activities.
Gatchalian, alongside Hontiveros, has been actively investigating Guo’s connections to Zun Yuan Technology Inc. (ZYTI), a POGO company operating illegally in Tarlac. Despite receiving threats, Gatchalian continues his efforts, supported by local police and the PNP. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, also targeted by threats, remains focused on the crackdown against illegal POGOs, highlighting the dangerous environment surrounding these investigations.
