Gatchalian questions Pampanga mayor over illegal POGO hub

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is questioning the alleged negligence of Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jing Capil in overseeing businesses, particularly the illegal POGO hub that operated in his jurisdiction.

Gatchalian emphasized that the mayor holds extensive powers to monitor businesses and that the presence of around 2,000 foreign nationals should have raised suspicions.

The call for Capil's investigation and potential suspension comes after a large POGO compound with at least 40 buildings was raided.

Further investigation revealed that the Porac POGO hub lacked a license to operate from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Senators were dismayed that Capil allegedly did not assert the local government's authority during an attempted inspection in August 2023, where the inspection team was only allowed entry up to the guardhouse.

Capil cited the property being private and the need for a search warrant as reasons for not insisting on a full inspection, which was requested by the local PNP chief due to suspicious circumstances including discovered corpses.

Gatchalian countered that the team should have found a legal basis to enter, suggesting the focus was on preventing entry rather than securing it.