POGO boss denies bribery during Senate probe

Chinese national Zhao Shouqi, head of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub raided in Cebu on August 31, appeared before the Senate panel to deny that his offer of P1 million was intended as bribery.

Zhao acknowledged during the Senate probe that he attempted to give P1 million to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) for a 'separate arrangement' for his wife and granddaughter.

The Lapu-Lapu City raid involved Zhao and over 160 foreign nationals accused of illegal scamming activities at the Tourist Garden Hotel.

Senator Risa Hontiveros challenged Zhao's claim, noting that there is no other way to interpret offering money as anything but a bribe.

Zhao insisted he had never bribed government officials before and only sponsored community activities through donations.

Hontiveros cited the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which prohibits improper acceptance of benefits by government personnel.