Sen Ejercito questions dismissed Tarlac mayor on illegal POGOs

Philippine Senator JV Ejercito questioned dismissed Tarlac mayor Alice Guo during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, September 24, about her alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Guo denied being the mastermind behind these operations and stated that she is a victim, expressing willingness to reveal more information in an executive session.

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed Guo's readiness to disclose details during the closed-door session, noting that Ms. Guo confirmed a 'crucial personality' involved with illegal POGO activities.

During the hearing, Guo was allowed to consult with her lawyers using a mobile phone prior to the executive session, and authorities are investigating a former national police chief who had been allegedly bribed by Ms. Guo to help her escape the country.

Ejercito stated that Guo is merely a 'pawn' being exploited by an international crime syndicate and urged her to identify key figures behind the operation while Hontiveros lifted the contempt citation on Guo's sister, Shiela, directing the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to transfer her custody to the Bureau of Immigration.

In his third State of the Nation Address, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to shut all POGO companies by the end of the year, citing their links to organized crime.